Party time at Camp Nou (2-0)

FC Barcelona celebrated winning the league with a comfortable victory against city rivals Espanyol and gave Henrik Larsson a fitting send off in his last home game for the team.

Camp Nou was in party mood after the Blaugrana clinched the championship in midweek and the players and the supporters revelled in the occasion as victory was assured before the trophy was presented after the match. Goals from Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho saw Barça pick all three points, while Albert Jorquera was in fine form, making several key saves, as he replaced Víctor Valdés in goal.

The visitors were keen to take something from the match to ease their relegation fears and started brightly, but did not turn their early attacks into clear opportunities, but Barcelona still dominated possession with their familiar quick passing style. Neither side had created a chance of note before Frank Rijkaard's outfit opened their account with 20 minutes on the clock.

Claiming the goal

Ronaldinho picked the ball up on the edge of the area and slipped it to Eto'o where the Cameroon striker fired across goal and was delighted to see the ball deflect off Sergio Sánchez and hit Daniel Jarque on the chest and drift inside the near post. It may not have been a classic, but Eto'o will be claiming it as his own as he chases the Spanish and European top goalscorers' awards.

The Barça number nine could have doubled his tally moments later when Larsson picked him out in the area, but after controlling the ball he hit it wide of the post. Espanyol then tested Jorquera as Pablo Zabaleta took aim from 25 yards only to see the home team keeper tip the ball over the bar. Juanfran then stole into the area before chesting down a pass and firing over from close range.

Ronaldinho produces his magic

With the lead secured, Ronaldinho began entertaining the crowd with a series of flicks and dummies that were greeted with loud cheers, but the defence still had to be on their guard as Luís García broke clear and was able to slam a shot goalwards, only for Jorquera to once again keep the ball out as he saved with his legs. The last action of the opening half saw Ronaldinho find Larsson and the Swedish forward forced Gorka Iraizoz into a flying save to tip the ball wide.

Sylvinho prevented substitute Walter Pandiani from levelling after the restart as the Brazilian lifted the ball over his own bar and Barça raced up the other end to put the result beyond doubt. Deco slid the ball past the Espanyol defence and Larsson raced clear only to see his shot saved by the keeper. Ronaldinho was quick off the mark though and he picked up the rebound before fooling Iraizoz and firing home with his left foot from four yards out.

Jorquera in fine fettle

The goal relaxed the home team, but they remained on their guard at the back as Domi and Pandiani both forced Jorquera into action. Ludovic Giuly, who had come on as a substitute exchanged passes with Eto'o as the Frenchman tried to feed his team-mate, but was denied by a late block. Deco then shot off target as Barça played the ball around with confidence. Pandiani, again, and Raúl Tamudo were still working hard at the front for Esapnyol, but were unable to beat the outstanding Jorquera.

With the game already won, Rijkaard used the opportunity to allow Larsson to receive an ovation from his adoring fans as he was withdrawn from the action with 15 minutes remaining. In what could also be his final home match for the team, Gabri was introduced and was also cheered as he entered the fray.

The goals

1-0 Jarque (p.p.) min 18
2-0 Ronaldinho (min. 52)