Not even an injury to Lionel Messi in the 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid could dampen Barcelona’s celebrations at winning its 22nd Spanish league title.
Messi started his first match in six rounds because of a recurring right hamstring injury, but he left the field in the 68th minute with Barcelona trailing 0-1 to Radamel Falcao’s 52-minute goal and having made all three substitutions.
However, Alexis Sanchez levelled in the 72nd and Atletico midfielder Gabi Fernandez scored an own goal in the 80th to restart Barcelona’s party for winning the title that was clinched when Real Madrid’s title defence ended with a draw late Saturday.
On the down side, Barcelona said Messi had re-injured his hamstring and would undergo tests.
Barcelona’s hard-fought win keeps it on pace to match Madrid’s record haul of 100 points from last season. The Catalan club needs to win its remaining three matches to reach the mark.
“This title has more merit and maybe we value it more because we didn’t win it last year,” said Barca defender Gerard Pique.
“It’s juicier and we are enjoying it more. Reaching 100 points would be special, but we’ll have to fight to win the final three games,” he added.
While the team savoured the comeback, the real festivities will be back in Barcelona when the players are paraded through the city centre.