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Former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin advances to the WTA tournament final in Tokyo

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Former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin advances to the WTA tournament final in Tokyo
Sport

Sport

Former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin advances to the WTA tournament final in Tokyo

2024-10-26 15:03 Last Updated At：15:10

TOKYO (AP) — Former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin has advanced to the final of the Pan Pacific Open with a 6-4, 6-4 win over ninth-seeded Katie Boulter on Saturday.

Kenin, who won the Australian Open in 2020 and was a French Open finalist the same year, broke the British player's serve in the seventh game of the second set and the American served out to win the match for her best tournament performance of the season.

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China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Russia's Diana Shnaider plays against China's Zheng Qinwen during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Russia's Diana Shnaider plays against China's Zheng Qinwen during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Sofia Kenin of the United States reacts after winning her semifinal match against Britain's Katie Boulter in the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States reacts after winning her semifinal match against Britain's Katie Boulter in the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

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Sofia Kenin of the United States prepares to serve as she plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States prepares to serve as she plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Britain's Katie Boulter plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Britain's Katie Boulter plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Britain's Katie Boulter reacts as she plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Britain's Katie Boulter reacts as she plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Britain's Katie Boulter plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Britain's Katie Boulter plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Sofia Kenin of the United States, right, and Britain's Katie Boulter greet each other after Sofia won the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States, right, and Britain's Katie Boulter greet each other after Sofia won the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
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China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Russia's Diana Shnaider plays against China's Zheng Qinwen during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Russia's Diana Shnaider plays against China's Zheng Qinwen during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States reacts after winning her semifinal match against Britain's Katie Boulter in the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States reacts after winning her semifinal match against Britain's Katie Boulter in the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States prepares to serve as she plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States prepares to serve as she plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Britain's Katie Boulter plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Britain's Katie Boulter plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Britain's Katie Boulter reacts as she plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Britain's Katie Boulter reacts as she plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Britain's Katie Boulter plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Britain's Katie Boulter plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States, right, and Britain's Katie Boulter greet each other after Sofia won the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States, right, and Britain's Katie Boulter greet each other after Sofia won the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Kenin will play No. 1 seed and Paris Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen. who beat Diana Shnaider 7-6 (5), 6-3 in the other semifinal.

The 25-year-old Kenin was ranked as high as No. 4 early in 2020, but a series of injuries, including ankle and quadricep ailments, has seen her WTA ranking drop to its current 155.

Boulter, ranked 33rd, had not lost a set during the Tokyo hard-court tournament.

Kenin beat Boulter in the only other time they have played but it was when Boulter retired with an injury in the second set while trailing 4-1 to Kenin after losing the first set in Acapulco in 2019.

Boulter beat 2019 U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu on Friday in the quarterfinals.

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

 Russia's Diana Shnaider plays against China's Zheng Qinwen during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Russia's Diana Shnaider plays against China's Zheng Qinwen during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

 China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

China's Zheng Qinwen plays against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the second semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

 Sofia Kenin of the United States reacts after winning her semifinal match against Britain's Katie Boulter in the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States reacts after winning her semifinal match against Britain's Katie Boulter in the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Sofia Kenin of the United States prepares to serve as she plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States prepares to serve as she plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

 Britain's Katie Boulter plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Britain's Katie Boulter plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

 Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

 Britain's Katie Boulter reacts as she plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Britain's Katie Boulter reacts as she plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

 Britain's Katie Boulter plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Britain's Katie Boulter plays against Sofia Kenin of the United States during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

 Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States plays against Britain's Katie Boulter during the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

 Sofia Kenin of the United States, right, and Britain's Katie Boulter greet each other after Sofia won the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Sofia Kenin of the United States, right, and Britain's Katie Boulter greet each other after Sofia won the semifinal match of the Pan Pacific Open women's tennis tournament at Ariake Coliseum, in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — This was Lamine Yamal's season.

So it just had to be the teenage phenom who scored the decisive goal to clinch Barcelona's 28th Spanish league title.

And what a goal it was.

The 17-year-old struck the winner in Barcelona's 2-0 victory at crosstown rival Espanyol on Thursday when he slid past two defenders outside the area and whipped one his now trademark left-footed curlers into the corner of the net.

It was a perfect culmination to Yamal's last 10 months.

After helping Spain win the European Championship last summer, Yamal excelled for Barcelona this campaign with his goals, dribbling and playmaking as he confirmed his status as the next big star of global soccer. Along with Raphinha, Pedri and company, and Barcelona was unstoppable.

“I always try my best and today I was lucky it went in,” Yamal said. "I am very happy I could help the team and celebrate it.”

Fermín López ensured the win in stoppage time after Espanyol was reduced to 10 men in the 80th when Leandro Cabrera received a direct red for hitting Yamal in the stomach while disputing a ball.

Barcelona won the title with two rounds remaining. It completed a domestic double with the Copa del Rey title — treble if you add the Spanish Super Cup — and reached the Champions League semifinals in a fantastic first season for coach Hansi Flick.

Flick’s team virtually ended Madrid’s title defense when it beat its top rival 4-3 on Sunday, making it four of four clasico victories across all competitions this season.

Madrid's victory over Mallorca on Wednesday prevented Barcelona from winning the title without playing. But the Catalan club needed just two points from its final three games of the season.

Barcelona’s players danced briefly on the field to celebrate while sprinklers doused them with water.

“You don’t win a league every day and we have to enjoy this and give it the value it has,” said Barcelona midfielder Pedri after completing his 200th game for his club at age 22.

Lionel Messi posted a message on Instagram sending his “Congratulations” for his old team. Real Madrid also congratulated its fierce rival on X, while thousands of Barcelona fans gathered to celebrate in downtown Barcelona.

Barcelona dominated the domestic competitions, winning 15 and drawing two of its league games in 2025. Toss in the cups, and the only tiny blemish was coming oh-so-close to reaching the Champions League final before it fell in gut-wrenching fashion at Inter Milan.

Yamal credited his coach for inspiring a core of players who had won nothing last season under Xavi Hernández.

“We are thankful for what Xavi have us, but it is true that coach (Flick) has given us a new life,” Yamal said.

Looking back on his arrival in the summer, Flick said that he had instilled a “positive” attitude in his team and it had adapted well to his style of play that requires a high defensive line and all-in pressing.

“Barcelona has to win titles and three titles is really great,” Flick said. “I suffered a bit after the game in Milan, but after winning three titles I am very happy and the club is too.”

Espanyol outplayed its wealthier rival in the first half. But Urko González shot wide on a counterattack early on and Javi Puado couldn’t beat Wojciech Szczesny in a one-on-one opportunity.

But Yamal's great shot in the 53rd minute put Barcelona in control. Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García, who is linked to a move to a big club this summer, including Barcelona, dove but couldn’t reach the perfectly placed shot.

On Yamal’s goal, Pedri said: “He scored two goals like that today in practice. We are fortunate to have him on our side.”

Espanyol needed to a good result from the derby as it hopes to stay out of the relegation fight. Espanyol remained in 16th place and five points from the drop zone.

The game was briefly paused by the referee in the opening minutes when a car rammed into a crowd outside the RCDE Stadium, injuring several people. Authorities said it was an accident and not related to the game.

Fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao secured a Champions League spot after winning 2-0 at Getafe.

Third-placed Atletico Madrid lost 2-0 at Osasuna, while Real Betis stumbled in its fight for a fifth-place finish and the last Champions League spot after drawing 2-2 Rayo Vallecano.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Barcelona fans celebrate in the street after their team won the Spanish La Liga soccer championship in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Barcelona fans celebrate in the street after their team won the Spanish La Liga soccer championship in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

 Barcelona's Hector Fort celebrates at the end of the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Barcelona's Hector Fort celebrates at the end of the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

 Barcelona players celebrate at the end of the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Barcelona players celebrate at the end of the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

 Barcelona players celebrate after a goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Espanyol and Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)

Barcelona players celebrate after a goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Espanyol and Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)

 Barcelona's Fermin Lopez, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Barcelona's Fermin Lopez, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

 Barcelona's Lamine Yamal reacts after scoring during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Espanyol and Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal reacts after scoring during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Espanyol and Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)

 Espanyol's Antoniu Roca, left, attempts a shot at goal in front of Barcelona's Gerard Martin during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Espanyol's Antoniu Roca, left, attempts a shot at goal in front of Barcelona's Gerard Martin during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

 Espanyol's Javi Puado, left, attempts a shot at goal in front of Barcelona's Andreas Christensen during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Espanyol's Javi Puado, left, attempts a shot at goal in front of Barcelona's Andreas Christensen during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

 Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, left, celebrates with his teammates after scoring his side's opening goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, left, celebrates with his teammates after scoring his side's opening goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

 Barcelona's Lamine Yamal spits out water as he warms up prior to a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal spits out water as he warms up prior to a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

 Barcelona's Lamine Yamal drinks water as he warms up prior to a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal drinks water as he warms up prior to a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

 Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, center, celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, center, celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

 Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, left, runs with the ball past Espanyol's Carlos Romero during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, left, runs with the ball past Espanyol's Carlos Romero during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

 Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, left, celebrates with his teammate Alejandro Balde after scoring his side's opening goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, left, celebrates with his teammate Alejandro Balde after scoring his side's opening goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

 Barcelona's Lamine Yamal attempts a shot at goal to scores his side's opening goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal attempts a shot at goal to scores his side's opening goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Espanyol at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
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