The league title for Barça is a matter of hours or days. The Azulgranas’ victory over Real Madrid last Sunday has left the championship within reach for Barça, who have a 7-point lead and a better goal difference with, in their case, 9 games left to play. The title could be clinched at any moment, and the Azulgranas are already thinking about the celebrations.
Last night, some fans gathered at Canaletas, as Barça were on the verge of winning the title without even having to play their match. The Azulgranas needed Real Madrid to lose or draw, and that was the case for much of the match against Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabéu, but in the last breath, in stoppage time, Jacobo Ramón appeared to score a goal that postponed the Culés’ victory.
A title that could be clinched tonight in the match against Espanyol. Barça need to win the match at Cornellà to be crowned league champions. If the derby ends in a draw, they would need one more point from their two remaining matches of the season. If they lose, they would have to win the match against Villarreal at Montjuic this weekend or against Athletic at San Mamés on the last day of the season.
The scenarios for the celebration
If Hansi Flick’s side manages to win the title on Thursday by beating Espanyol, the celebration could take place on Friday 16. If they have to wait until Sunday 18 in Montjuic against Villarreal to be crowned champions, the celebration would be moved to Monday 19. According to Sport, Barça has already contacted the Barcelona City Council to discuss possible dates and the route for the champions’ parade. Regardless of when the title is won, the final decision will be made by the council, which will have to put in place extensive security measures.
Whenever it is, Barça does not want to wait too long for the celebration, as the international players will leave with their national teams as soon as the season ends. That is why, on this occasion, there are no plans for a joint celebration with the women’s team, which will finish its season later.
What is clear is that there will be a celebration because it is almost impossible for the title to slip away. Where no planning is needed and everything will be ready for whatever happens tonight is at Canaletas, where Barça fans could gather if the team beats Espanyol and is proclaimed champion. Another celebration could take place among the players, who, given the recent precedent of the pitch invasion at Cornellà, are expected to remain calm on the field in the event of victory.