A derby that decided the League title

On April 17th 1949, Barça won the league title after beating Espanyol 2-1 at the Les Corts ground. It was the first and only time that a derby would decide the championship. This Saturday, history could be repeated.

Match Stats

FC Barcelona 2
Espanyol 1

FC Barcelona: Velasco, Calvet, Curta, Gonçalvo I, Gonçalvo II, Calo, Basora, Seguer, Nicolau, Marco Aurelio i César.
Espanyol: Abeijón, Casas, Parra, Fàbregas, Veloy, Celma, Segarra, Artigas, Calvo, Carner i Hernández.

Goals: 0-1, Min. 27 Calvo; 1-1, Min. 63, César; 2-1, Min. 70, César

Referee: Mr. Asensi

In the 112-year history of FC Barcelona, never has a derby match against their city rivals been as decisive as the one played at the old stadium in Les Corts on 17th of April 1949. It was the last day of the season and Barça were at home to Espanyol, and also leader of the table on 35 points, 2 more than Valencia and Real Madrid. The Barça team, coached by Uruguayan Enrique Fernandez needed a draw to win the title for the second consecutive season. In case of a tie on points, Barça’s particular goal average was superior to Real Madrid but inferior to Valencia, while in the case of a triple tie, Barça would win the title.

Scare in the first half
With the ground at full capacity, Barça were surprised by an Espanyol team that had nothing to play for except preventing their great rival from winning the title again. Although Espanyol played with 10 men from the 6th minute due to an injury to Carner (at that time substitutions were not allowed), they went ahead in the 27th minute. Calvo scored with a header from a corner, which surprised goalkeeper Velasco. The 1-0 to Espanyol put the League Title in the hands of Valencia, who at that time were beating Sevilla 1-0.

Reaction and two goals from César
Espanyol's goal sparked a Barça reaction, who had been too relaxed and over-confident. In the second half, Barça got going and in 7 minutes turned the game around. Striker Cesar confirmed his reputation. In the 63rd minute he scored from a Basora pass, and seven minutes later, he combined with the Argentinian Marco Aurelio and scored the definitive goal to make it 2-1.

Espanyol fell away and Barça might have increased their lead with a header from Seguer. Enrique Fernandez’s team had no trouble protecting the winning scoreline. Valencia beat Sevilla 2-0, while Real Madrid drew 2-2 away at Alcoià. Barça finished first on 37 points, followed by Valencia on 35, and Real Madrid, third with 34. For the second consecutive season, Barça were proclaimed Champion, winning the fourth league title in their history.