JAKARTA - Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was praised for successfully removing his players celebrating victory from the pitch as tensions threatened to overflow after they secured the 2024/2025 La Liga title on Friday, May 16, 2025, with a 2-0 win at home to Espanyol.
It was the second time in three years Barcelona have won a league at their city rivals' place.
Their victory in 2023 was damaged by supporters of the hosts who broke through the field and chased the visitors down the aisle.
Flick made sure the incident didn't happen again this time. He escorted his players out when the sprinkler was turned on and increased security presence controlled the perimeter.
"Flick is a real man. He pulled his players off the pitch, took them off the pitch, and took them into the dressing room."
"It doesn't make sense to make something bigger when they can celebrate inside (far from Espanyol fans) or over the following week."
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"Two years ago, there was chaos here because no common sense was applied. We had to congratulate Flick because he handled him well. He is a good coach and a real man," said Espanyol coach
A tense atmosphere occurs when the final whistle of the match sounds at the RCDE Stadium after a difficult night for the hosts.
The match started with shouts "stop the game". The match was stopped briefly after a supporter entered the field after a car collided with supporters outside the stadium before the match started. That left more than a dozen people injured, but no one was seriously injured.
Local police said the driver had been detained, but it remains unclear whether the incident was an accident.
Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal put Barcelona ahead early in the second half with a stunning left-footed shot before Leandro Cabrera was sent off for elbowing the teenager.
Fermin Lopez confirmed victory in injury time, which sparked celebrations in the corner and irritated Espanyol and led to clashes between the two players at the end of the game.
"On the pitch, obviously we can't celebrate there. Two years ago, I didn't want to do this."
"It's also a matter of respect for the fans here. We celebrate in the dressing room, that's great, fantastic. The players can do it," Flick told a news conference.
The win left Barcelona seven points ahead of Real Madrid in second place with only two games remaining.
The score confirmed them as champions of La Liga for the 28th time in the club's history.
The victory also completed domestic trebles in Flick's first season at the club. Previously, the Blaugrana were successful in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey.
As part of the domestic treble euphoria, Barcelona will celebrate with an open bus parade throughout the city Saturday, May 17, 2025, WIB.
"Give it up and celebrate. Tomorrow I think I'll stand a little behind, see what happens and enjoy it."
"When I see people smiling, for me it is the greatest thing. I hope everyone enjoys this parade tomorrow," Flick told supporters.
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