Barcelona’s celebration of their La Liga title on Thursday evening was overshadowed by an incident outside the stadium, where a car drove into a crowd of fans, injuring at least 15 individuals.
The incident unfolded shortly before the start of the derby match between Barcelona and Espanyol, which drew a crowd of 34,283 at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium. Barcelona emerged with a 2-0 victory, clinching their 28th La Liga championship (see match report below).
Inside the stadium, announcements over the public address system reassured attendees that the injuries sustained were only minor. Play was briefly halted as police informed the match officials of the situation.
Footage shared online (see links below) appeared to show the car initially stationary, hemmed in by fans, some of whom were seen hurling objects at it. The vehicle then suddenly surged forward, striking several people.
Authorities arrested the driver on charges related to dangerous driving and causing injuries.
The Mossos d’Esquadra, the Catalan police force, issued a statement saying, ‘Several people were injured in the vicinity of the Espanyol stadium after being hit by a vehicle. The situation is under control and in no case poses a risk to the people inside the stadium.’
Emergency services said seven people were taken to nearby hospitals for the treatment of minor injuries, while the remainder were treated on site.
Catalan regional president Salvador Illa confirmed that all injuries were ‘minor’ and stressed that there was no evidence of a premeditated attack.
Police said that they had detained the driver, a 34-year-old woman who tested negative for drugs or alcohol. Their investigation remains open.
Barça secure La Liga title
Barcelona’s two goals to secure the title came courtesy of Lamine Yamal and Fermín López, pushing them seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid with just two matches left in the campaign.
17-year-old Yamal struck the winner when he slid past two defenders outside the area and whipped one of his now trademark left-footed curlers into the corner of the net. It was a perfect culmination to his last 10 months.
After helping Spain win the European Championship last summer, Yamal excelled for Barcelona this season with his goals, dribbling and playmaking as he confirmed his status as the next big star of global football. Along with Raphinha, Pedri and company, Barcelona have been unstoppable.
Barça have won the title with two games remaining, completing a domestic double with the Copa del Rey title — a treble if you add the Spanish Super Cup — and they reached the Champions League semi-finals in a fantastic first season for coach Hansi Flick.
Flick’s team virtually ended Madrid’s title defence when it beat its top rival 4-3 on Sunday, making it four out of four ‘Clásico’ victories across all competitions this season. ALSO READ: Barça move to brink of La Liga title after beating Real Madrid 4-3 in ‘Clásico’ thriller.
Madrid’s victory over Mallorca on Wednesday prevented Barcelona from winning the title without playing. But the Catalan club needed just two points from its final three games of the season.
Yamal credited his coach for inspiring a core of players who had won nothing last season under Xavi Hernández.
‘We are thankful for what Xavi has done for us, but it is true that coach (Flick) has given us a new life,’ Yamal said.
Looking back on his arrival in the summer, Flick said that he had instilled a ‘positive’ attitude in his team and it had adapted well to his style of play that requires a high defensive line and all-in pressing.
‘Barcelona has to win titles and three titles is really great,’ Flick said. ‘I suffered a bit after the game in Milan [second leg of Champions league semi-final], but after winning three titles I am very happy and the club is too.’
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Un atropello deja varios heridos leves en Cornellá antes del derbi Espanyol – Barcelona
— RTVE Noticias (@rtvenoticias) May 15, 2025
Lo cuentan en #LaNoche24hhttps://t.co/ltIBOVdGdI pic.twitter.com/KkcWpF1273
Un atropello cerca del campo del Espanyol deja ocho heridos leves antes del inicio del derbi contra el Barça https://t.co/nFZbTk3gxh pic.twitter.com/f6CJhDAdQl
— EL PAÍS (@el_pais) May 15, 2025
Diverses persones ferides als voltants de l’estadi de l’Espanyol en ser atropellades per un vehicle
La situació està controlada i en cap cas suposa un risc per a les persones que es troben a l’interior del recinte esportiu pic.twitter.com/LDxuUchgcz
— Mossos (@mossos) May 15, 2025
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