Beautiful game prevails as Guardiola's men win title in style

MADRID: Barcelona blew away the cobwebs of the Frank Rijkaard era to lift their first title in two years, triumphing with a swagger and some eye-catching football that left their fans and neutrals purring.

Real Madrid were dreaming of a third successive league title but Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola defied his inexperience using the attacking talents of Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry, Samuel Eto'o to perfection as they gunned down their rivals and helped win a 19th league title.

Barca led for most of the season and their attacking style drew comparisons with Johan Cruyff's "Dream Team", in which Guardiola played a part.