Soccer-Barcelona claim 28th LaLiga title after 2-0 win at Espanyol

By Fernando Kallas

BARCELONA (Reuters) -Barcelona secured their 28th LaLiga title on Thursday when they beat city rivals Espanyol 2-0, securing an unassailable seven-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid with two games left to play.

Following a 4-3 loss at Barcelona on Sunday, Real needed to win their final three games and hope the leaders didn't earn more than one point in the same period to maintain any mathematical chances of claiming the title.

However, their slim title hopes were dashed when Lamine Yamal curled a superb shot into the back of the net in the 53rd minute, with Fermin Lopez securing the victory by striking a loose ball inside the box five minutes deep in stoppage time.

The result moved Barca to 85 points, seven ahead of last season's champions Real, with Atletico Madrid third on 70 points. It caps a remarkable first season at Barca for coach Hansi Flick as his side have won the LaLiga and Copa del Rey double.

(Reporting by Fernando KallasEditing by Christian Radnedge)