12 May 2013

Barcelona win 22nd Spanish title

12:42 pm on 12 May 2013

Barcelona's fourth La Liga title in five seasons, and the 22nd of their history, was confirmed this morning after Real Madrid could only manage a 1-1 draw with Espanyol.

Espanyol took advantage of Jose Mourinho resting a host of first team players in the first half ahead of Real's Copa del Rey final with Atletico Madrid on Friday.

And they deservedly went in front through Christian Stuani on 22 minutes.

However, after the introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo in the second-half, Madrid rallied and were level when Gonzalo Higuain flicked home Luka Modric's free-kick just before the hour mark.

But Los Blancos couldn't find the winner they needed to keep the title race alive as the point leaves them seven adrift of Barca with just two games remaining.

Barca, who face Atletico Madrid next, could match Real's league record total of 100 points from last year if they win their remaining four games.