Barcelona have secured the LaLiga championship after a 2-0 victory against local rivals Espanyol, inspired by standout youngster Lamine Yamal.

The second-half goals from Yamal and Fermin Lopez, combined with Espanyol’s Leandro Cabrera receiving a red card, sealed the league and cup double for head coach Hansi Flick in his debut season.

Raphinha praised Yamal’s impact, saying, “We didn’t have many clear chances but we have a kid in there who sometimes pulls something out of the golden feet he has and he gave us peace of mind to stay in the game more calmly.”

He added, “In January some people were saying we would fight to be third. We have confidence in ourselves. That’s the key. We trust in the work and in what we know we can do. The most important thing was the confidence of the coach. Knowing at the start of the season that he was counting on me, a person who controls the team… it changes you in the end.”

Raphinha has tripled his goal tally from last season and ranks third in LaLiga assists with nine, trailing Yamal by three.