Champions again!

Barca are champions of La Liga once again! Frank Rijkaard's team took their second successive title this evening whilst beating Celta 0-1 and can now set their sights firmly on the Champions league Final against Arsenal.

The team showed the character of Champions too. At half time, still drawing 0-0, news came through that Valencia had lost at Mallorca and the title was theirs whatever they did after the break. Far from taking the second half as a stroll though, they went for the win and got their just rewards through a 55th minute Eto'o goal that won them the game and was just one more reason to celebrate on this wonderful night for the Barca fans.

Attacking line up

The goal showed just how committed the team were to victory, even though they knew it wasn't necessary and underlined their pre-match comments about the desire to win the title as soon as possible. Indeed, Rijkaard's team selection and tactics demonstrated that even though there may have been three games to go, he wanted to lift the trophy tonight and was prepared to go all out to get it, even against a team desperate for points in the own fight for a Champions League spot. Eschewing defending a point, the boss played Belletti and Gio as two attacking fullbacks, Van Bommel, Deco and Iniesta and Deco in the middle behind the trio of Ronaldinho, Eto'o and Larsson up front.

First half chances

In truth, both teams made a bright start, but it was Barca who came closest early on when Ronaldinho threaded a breathtaking cross across the Celta defence for Larsson at the far post to meet. Unfortunately Pinto denied the Swede what would have been a magnificent goal and he was again forced into action on 20 minutes to smother a Van Bommel opportunity after an excellent through pass by Larsso. Barca were stamping their authority on the game and hit man Samuel Eto'o was also in action seeing two efforts go just over, including a cheeky lob from 35 yards out with Pinto stranded out of his goal.

Goal for the champs

As the players trooped back to the dressing room at half time, news came through of Valencia's defeat and that Barca were again champions regardless of the result at Balaidos, There was clearly work to be done however not least ensuring Samuel Eto'o takes the pichichi trophy. The Cameroon striker added one more to his season's tally on 55 minutes when he dribbled past three defenders and struck a sweet shot into the corner of Pinto's goal.

Valdes on track to keepers' trophy

With the win looking assured, Rijkaard took the opportunity to bring off Ronaldinho, Gio and Van Bommel to give Xavi, Sylvinho and Edmilson their chance to impress. The team also wants Valdes to take the Zamora trophy as the best keeper in the league and there was some solid defending from Puyol, Edmilson and Marquez in particular to stop Celta scoring, though it also took the woodwork towards the end to stop Perera from making it one apiece. Finally, though, the ref blew his whistle and the pitch filled up with celebrating players and photographers eager to catch a shot of the champions letting off steam before they knuckle down to the next job at hand. Arsenal in Paris.

The goal

0-1, Eto'o (min.55)