Yamal shines on his 100th La Liga game to crown Barca

The title is all but wrapped up.

Another stumble from Real Madrid was punished instantly, as Barcelona brushed aside Espanyol 4-1, stretching their lead at the top to nine points - a gap that already feels decisive.

And yet, the mood is anything but carefree.

Because unless Hansi Flick finds a way to overturn a two-goal deficit against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, this domestic dominance will offer little comfort. Another early European exit would mark an 11th straight year without a final, and raise uncomfortable questions.

Flick opted for a calculated gamble. Not quite full strength, not quite rotation - a hybrid lineup. Big names like Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde were rested, while Lamine Yamal was unleashed.

And once again, the prodigy delivered.

At just 18 years and 272 days, Yamal made his 100th La Liga appearance - the youngest ever to reach that milestone - and marked it in style. Two assists inside the opening 25 minutes, both for Ferran Torres, including one piece of pure artistry that belonged in a gallery, not a football pitch.

Then, in the 87th minute, he crowned his night.

Yamal simply walked the ball into the net. After three straight games without a goal contribution - an eternity by his standards - the 'golden boy' reminded everyone exactly who he is.

There was more good news for Barca.

Gavi made his first start of the season after a long injury layoff, while Frenkie de Jong returned for the first time since February, even registering an assist for Marcus Rashford late on. Encouraging signs, just in time for the defining night at the Metropolitano.

The match itself told two stories.

The first half was a one-way street. After just nine minutes, Torres nodded home with ease and then added another one later. Barca were in control, fluid and dominant.

The second half was far more complicated for the hosts.

Lozano smashed in a rebound from a throw-in situation to make it 2-1.

But then the visitors conceded two goals in just three minutes. Yamal and Rashford made sure the victory and the title stay at Camp Nou. Barcelona march toward the title with authority. But in Europe, the margin for error is gone.

LA LIGA ROUND 31

Friday

Real Madrid - Girona 1-1 (0-0)

/Valverde 51 - Lemar 62/

Saturday

Real Sociedad - Alaves 3-3 (2-2)

/Sucic 14, Sivera 27 og, Oskarsson 60 - Caleta Car 3 og, Diabate 24, Boye 90+7/

Elche - Valencia 1-0 (0-0)

/Cepeda 73/

Barcelona - Espanyol 4-1 (2-0)

/Torres 9,25, Yamal 87, Rashford 89 - Lozano 56/

Sevilla - Atletico Madrid 2-1 (2-1)

/Adams 10 pen, Gudelj 45+2 - Bonar 35/

Sunday

15.00: (2.30) Osasuna (3.40) Betis (3.10)

17.15: (2.45) Mallorca (3.20) Rayo Vallecano (3.00)

19.30: (1.75) Celta (3.50) Oviedo (5.00)

22.00: (2.35) Ath.Bilbao (3.40) Villareal (3.00)

Monday

22.00: (2.75) Levante (2.95) Getafe (2.85)

***odds are subject to change***