Barcelona proved once again that, at present, they are a better team than Real Madrid. On the Camp Nou pitch, the Catalan side were far superior to their rivals and secured their second consecutive league title. This year’s title was clinched with three matchdays remaining, as they comfortably beat their eternal rivals thanks to goals from Rashford and Ferran Torres in the first half.

It was a very special day for Hansi Flick, who had learnt of his father’s passing that morning. The German manager decided to stay for the Clásico and saw his players put on a superb performance for him. At Real Madrid, apart from Brahim Díaz, none of the players were up to the standard required by Europe’s most successful club.

With this victory, Barça now lead Real Madrid by 14 points with just 9 points left to play for. That gap demonstrates the difference between the two sides, particularly in the second half of the season. The Whites were five points ahead of Barcelona after the Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu, but since then Hansi Flick’s side have been the best team in the competition and are deserved champions.

EA Sports La Liga table after matchday 35

1. Barcelona 91 points
2. Real Madrid 77 points
3. Villarreal 69 points
4. Atlético Madrid 63 points
5. Betis 54 points
6. Celta Vigo 50 points

Going for 100 points

Barcelona’s season is already decided. Or almost. The only blemish is the two defeats against Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-finals and the Champions League quarter-finals. Diego Pablo Simeone’s side have prevented them from challenging for the treble.

In these final three matchdays, Hansi Flick’s side have a clear objective: to reach 100 points and win all their home matches in the EA Sports La Liga. To do so, they must win their remaining three matches. The first is this Wednesday in Vitoria against an Alavés side fighting for survival; the second is at the Camp Nou against Betis to secure a clean sweep of home wins; and finally against Valencia at Mestalla.

Should they secure all three victories and reach 100 points, it would be the third time a team has achieved the century mark. The first was José Mourinho’s Real Madrid in the 2011/2012 season, whilst the following season it was achieved by Barcelona, then managed by Tito Vilanova. Now Barça are aiming to become the first team to reach 100 points in two different seasons.

Barcelona’s remaining fixtures to finish the season

• Alavés - Barcelona
• Barcelona - Betis
• Valencia - Barcelona