Unbreakable defence, Lewandowski's fast start: How Barca won LaLiga

BARCELONA secured the Spanish LaLiga title for the first time since 2019 on Sunday.

The Catalan giants invested heavily last summer, sacrificing future income in order to bolster the squad and earn major silverware quickly.

Xavi Hernandez's side beat Real Madrid to win the Spanish Super Cup in January and clinched the league title by thrashing Espanyol 4-2 on Sunday.

AFP Sport looks at the key ways Barcelona were able to earn their 27th domestic championship.

Barcelona have been known over the years for their attacking flair, from Ronaldinho to Lionel Messi, but their triumph this season has been based on a mean defence.

The Blaugrana have conceded only 13 goals in 34 games, far fewer than any other side.

Andreas Christensen arrived on a free transfer from Chelsea and has slotted in perfectly, while his centre-back partner Ronald Araujo has staked his claim to be considered one of the best defenders in the world.

Xavi allowed young dynamo Alejandro Balde to phase out veteran leftback Jordi Alba and Jules Kounde has played out of position at right-back to cover for weakness in that area, creating a pacy backline.

It is no coincidence that Barcelona's Champions League elimination happened with many defenders injured, when Xavi was forced to pick now-retired Gerard Pique and Marcos Alonso at the heart of defence.

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has found confidence and form again, with Barcelona yet to concede at home from open play all season, bar an Araujo own goal against Real Madrid.