Barcelona went into today's game against Deportivo de La Coruña eight points clear with two games in hand and the La Liga title all but wrapped up. They secured that trophy in a game defined by a typical Leo Messi masterclass, while at the other end of the pitch Gerard Piqué decided to juggle the ball while in the box.
Barcelona took an early lead thanks to a clever Phil Countiho finish before Leo Messi became the first player in La Liga history to score over 30 goals in seven different seasons.
Lucas Pérez did manage to claw one back for his side but Barcelona looked comfortable at 2-1. So comfortable that Pique elected for a rather unusual running strategy on the hour mark.
It did look as though Emre Colak had landed an unlikely comeback for Deportivo, but as is his want Messi stood up in the 81st minute with a cool finish to restore order and a 3-2 lead. He went on to complete the hat-trick after linking up with Luiz Suarez.
