Real Sociedad Earn Crucial Win At Champions Barcelona

Mikel Merino and Alexander Sorloth struck for the visitors, who defended their hold on fourth place, restoring a five-point gap on Villarreal, fifth, in the fight for Champions League qualification.

New La Liga champions Barcelona tumbled to a 2-1 defeat to Real Sociedad on Saturday before receiving their trophy at a packed Camp Nou. Mikel Merino and Alexander Sorloth struck for the visitors, who defended their hold on fourth place, restoring a five-point gap on Villarreal, fifth, in the fight for Champions League qualification. Earlier, Villarreal snatched a 2-1 win at Girona through Gerard Moreno's stoppage time strike. Robert Lewandowski pulled one back late on for Barcelona, who clinched the title last weekend with a thumping 4-2 win at Catalan rivals Espanyol, and were given a guard of honour before the game.

Barcelona's celebrations in Cornella were disrupted by Espanyol fans' pitch invasion, but they made up for it after defeat as they lifted their 27th league title.

"Thank you to the staff, the players who have given everything on the pitch," Xavi said in a speech.

"And to the fans. Without you it would not have been possible. You have been spectacular.

"Those that have filled the stadiums, those that were at the bus parade. It's given me goosebumps."