Barcelona savour ´toughest´ title

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has declared his side’s triumph in this year’s La Liga was the toughest campaign he has been involved in.

Barcelona secured their third successive La Liga crown on Wednesday with a 1-1 draw at Levante.

The point they secured gave the Catalans a six-point advantage over bitter rivals Real Madrid with two games to play, but Pep Guardiola’s men claim the title because of their superior head-to-head record against Real.

Valdes, 29, has won five Primera Division titles with Barca, but rated this one the most difficult of them all.

“We have fought as hard as we can and we deserve it,” Valdes said.

“It has been a very difficult year and the fans know that. Today we can celebrate to the maximum. It has been a hard-fought title and now’s the time for celebrations.”

“It has been very hard. Of the ones I’ve won I’d say it’s been the hardest league of all.”

“It has been very tough in terms of the media, but we have managed to isolate ourselves very well.”

“Now we can celebrate in Barcelona.”

Club skipper Carles Puyol said the club would celebrate the victory, but would swiftly turn their attention to the Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley on May 28 as Barca look for their third European triumph in five seasons.

“Now is the time to celebrate because the league is an important title,” Puyol said.

“Afterwards we can rest and prepare for the final at Wembley.”

Malian midfielder Seydou Keita, who scored Barca’s goal at Levante, echoed his skipper’s sentiments and said the team’s focus would move quickly to United.

“It is a very important day for Barcelona fans,” Keita said.

“Now we have the Champions League final to come, which is very important for this club.”