11 May 2011: Liga champions at Levante

11 May 2011: Liga champions at Levante

A 1-1 draw at the Ciutat de València confirmed a third league championship in a row under Josep Guardiola

Nine years ago today, on 11 May 2011, Barça finished top of the league for the 21st time in club history by getting the point they needed in a 1-1 draw at Levante.

With Josep Guardiola in charge, the team that day was: Valdés, Dani Alves, Mascherano, Piqué, Abidal (Fontàs), Busquets, Xavi, Keita, David Villa (Pedro), Messi and Afellay.

Seydou Keita converted a Xavi Hernández assist to put one hand on the trophy, and although Caicedo did level with five minutes to go, Barça held on for the draw and won the league at the same Ciutat de Valencia stadium where they had also celebrated victory on 2004/05.

Posssession had been the key to Barça's success that season, and the 84% that day against Levante was a club record. Interestingly, the best possession since then came 326 games later in Quique Setién's debut as Barça manager. 

The title race with Real Madrid had been a gripping one, but with a run of 31 games without defeat, the Catalans were strong from start to finish and eventually got what they deserved.

Força Barça
Força Barça

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