As in quite a few leagues in Europe, the Spanish league also entered the moments of appreciation. Today was the 37th match, one round before the end of the season.
Barcelona won the title two weeks ago and celebrated the title in front of the home crowd, but Sunday night against Mallorca was also a special day at Camp Nou. The first reason was because of the Catalans' emotional farewell to their two icons – Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. The pair of players who won quite a few titles with Barca leave the club at the end of the season and made their last appearance in their home stadium and quite a few tears were shed.
Jordi Alba in tears as he receives a standing ovation as he walks off the pitch at Spotify Camp Nou for the last time 🥺
Barcelona legend ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/ovfKUmNibC
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 28, 2023
The second reason that made the evening exciting was the fact that it was Barcelona's last home game at Camp Nou for at least the next year and a half. The immortal stadium will undergo a massive renovation next year and the Spanish champions are due to return to it in November 2024 or so, when it will look completely different and much more pleasant for fans and tourists who come to it over the years. On the pitch, Barca won 0-3 through a clutch of Ansu Fati and another goal by Gavi.
Real Sociedad, who lost 2-1 to Atletico Madrid but secured their place in the Champions League next season, after Villarreal, who risked their place in Europe's top factory, also lost to Rayo Vallecano and the gap between them is enough for the Basques to open the champagne.
🇪🇸🔵 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | Real Sociedad have qualified for the UEFA Champions League after a 10 years absence from the competition! pic.twitter.com/2NWhqCEIuR
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) May 28, 2023
The one who ended the evening with tears of pain was Espanyol, who were relegated to the second division. Barcelona's small team went to Valencia for an away game, leading 1-2 until extra time but then the batsmen equalised from a Samuel Lino goal that officially dropped Barcelona's small team back to the second division.
Espanyol players are broken, tonight in Valencia, Photo: Getty Images
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Also tonight: Almeria – Valladolid 0:0, Athletic Bilbao – Elche 1:0, Cadiz – Celta Vigo 0:1, Getafe – Osasuna 1:2, Girona – Betis 2:1.
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