Barcelona took the Spanish title on Thursday for the 28th time in the history of the club, but only the second opportunity in the past six years.
Espanyol defeated the extremely entertaining side of Hansi Flick 2-0 to take the lead with two games.
AFP Sport breaks the ways in which the German coach helped the Catalan giants to reclaim the Spanish throne from arch rivals Real Madrid.
Great attack
The exciting attacking outfit of Flick this season has shredded almost every side to cross their path.
Barcelona scored 97 goals in 36 games to provide for the title, 23 more than second place Real Madrid.
A 7-0 thrashing from Valladolid in August made their intentions, and they achieved four goals or more in 13 league games.
The brilliant Lamine Yamal, still only 17, excelled, nourishing veteran striker Robert Lewandowski and dynamic wing player Raphinha.
The Brazilian, who was convinced to stay in the club, had his best season ever and credits his coach in changing his career.
Yamal provided most assists in Spain with 13, while Lewandowski scored 25 goals and got Raphinha 18 while he himself set up nine.
The high line of defense of Flick is an important feature of the team's approach, which sometimes costs them at the back, but keeps opponents largely under pressure, including Madrid in Clasico last weekend.
“For 24 minutes, Real Madrid did not hit the ball in our half … How we press them when they have the ball, it's incredible … we can be very proud of that,” said Flick.
Mentality shift
Flick's predecessor Xavi Hernandez made every excuse under the sun – and even including the sun – last season when Barcelona won no trophy.
This year the Catalans claimed that a domestic Treble and Flick have largely insisted on blaming external factors when his team has struggled.
That helped Barcelona players to realize that what they achieve or not, is up to them and has given them the power to reverse unfavorable situations.
Barca has collected various impressive comebacks this season, including two goals against Real Madrid to triumph 4-3 in the most recent Clasico on 11 May.
“The mentality of the team is incredible,” said Flick after winning a fourth Clasico victory of four meetings this season.
Moreover, the team no longer seems to be weighed by expectations or pressure and instead is aimed at enjoying itself on the field – which contributes to their attractive, flair -filled football.
PERFECT PEDRI
Pedri Gonzalez has a strong argument to be at the moment and after an injury-hiding years of the world's best midfielder, that he remains fit for the entire season, has been vital for Barca.
“For me, Pedri is absolutely incredible – I am on my knees in front of him,” said former Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger.
The Canary Islander, 22, has been the heartbeat of Flick's Barca, both in an attacking sense, but also defensive, given the team works without a midfielder after injuries to Marc Bernal and Marc Casado.
Pedri's flexible form and thinking quickly enable him to get out of trouble quickly and to help Barca jump ahead to the countertop.
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Increased levels
Flick raised the fitness levels and trust of Barcelona across the board and his confidence in players who struggled last season has been repaid in Kicking.
The German was on holding Eric Garcia and the middle behind impressed when they have had opportunities, even playing from position.
Ferran Torres has helped the Stellar Forward Trio Rest and is the third top corner of the team and the third top assist provider in La Liga.
The most important thing is that Inigo Martinez struggled last season, but a cornerstone of the defense was alongside teenage Pau Cubarsi and became a real leader.
Winter Blues Back back
Despite an excellent start of the season, Barcelona dropped in November and December last year.
The Catalans won only once in a spell of seven games in that period and lost at home against Minnows Leganes and Las Palmas.
Their lead crumbled, with Atletico used them after beating Barca just before Christmas.
Flick undertook action, implemented the Fit-Again Frenkie de Jong in midfield above Casado and installed Wojciech Szczesny in goal instead of Inaki Pena.
Barcelona came back strongly and went undefeated at a point of 24 games to come back to the steering accumulation for the title.