Barcelona Players Were Chased Off The Pitch By Rival Fans While Celebrating League Tilte Win

Getty Image

On Sunday, FC Barcelona clinched their first league title since Lionel Messi left the club thanks to a 4-2 win over Espanyol.

During their postgame celebrations, however, the team was chased off the pitch by angry Espanyol supporters. Espanyol, which is also based in Barcelona, is the team’s main intercity rival.

Here’s how the situation was described by a reporter in attendance, via The Guardian:

Barcelona’s league title celebrations almost ended in serious trouble when Espanyol fans breached security, invaded the pitch and ran after the newly crowned champions, chasing them down the tunnel.

Fortunately some of the players and staff, dancing in circles on the pitch having defeated their city rivals 4-2, spotted them coming just in time and they were able to outrun their pursuers, forced to continue festivities from the safety of the dressing room instead. As they escaped, there were some confrontations between home supporters and security staff, as well as protests aimed at the directors’ box.

Barcelona’s title-winning victory came thanks to two goals from Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who is in his first season with the club following over a decade in the German Bundesliga that saw him establish himself as one of the best forwards in the world. All told, Lewandowski has scored 21 league goals so far this season, which puts him in contention for the league’s scoring title. Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde also chipped in with goals.

The 2022-23 La Liga title win brings Barcelona’s total up to 27, which trails only Real Madrid’s 35 all-time La Liga wins.