MNA Sports Desk: Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Barcelona clinched a 25th La Liga title on Sunday after winning 4-2 at Deportivo La Coruna despite throwing away a two-goal lead in a thrilling game which also confirmed Depor’s relegation.
Atletico Madrid tightened their grip on second place by winning 1-0 at Alaves with a penalty from Kevin Gameiro, while Valencia’s quest to seal Champions League qualification must wait after they were held to a goalless draw at home to Eibar.
Barca only needed a draw to seal the title and they made a perfect start when record signing Philippe Coutinho scored with a stylish chip before Messi doubled the lead by volleying home a cross by Luis Suares.
Deportivo deservedly pulled one back through Lucas Peres five minutes before halftime and Turkish midfielder Emre Colak equalised in the 68th minute.
Clarence Seedorf’s side needed victory to survive in the top flight for another week and they came close to finding a third goal and becoming the first team to beat Barca in the league this season.
But the runaway leaders kept counter-attacking and it was top scorer Messi who restored their lead, striking from close range in the 82nd minute after being teed up by Suarez.
Messi claimed his 32nd league goal of the season with the help of another pass from Suares to round off the victory and give Barca a seventh La Liga title in 10 years, reported news agency.