DALLAS (AP) — Defenseman Thomas Harley scored on a rebound at 3:01 of overtime and the Dallas Stars beat the Utah Hockey Club 3-2 on Saturday night.
Jamie Benn and Oskar Bäck also scored for the Stars, who have won four straight for the first time since opening the season with four wins. Matt Duchene and Wyatt Johnston each had two assists, and Jake Oettinger made 33 saves.
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Utah Hockey Club center Alexander Kerfoot skates against the Dallas Stars during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) skates against Utah Hockey Club left wing Matias Maccelli (63) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Utah Hockey Club left wing Lawson Crouse (67) clears the puck away as Dallas Stars center Sam Steel (18) challenges him during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Utah Hockey Club defenseman Mikhail Sergachev (98) clears the puck away as Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) attacks during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Utah Hockey Club center Logan Cooley skates against the Dallas Stars during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
A shot by Utah Hockey Club left wing Matias Maccelli gets by Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger for a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Utah Hockey Club goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) deflects the puck as Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) attacks during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Dallas Stars center Oskar Back front left, and right wing Arttu Hyry center, react after Back scored a goal against the Utah Hockey Club during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. Hyry recorded his first career point while assisting Back on the goal. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Utah Hockey Club left wing Lawson Crouse (67) and defenseman Michael Kesselring (7) celebrate after left wing Matias Maccelli, not visible, scored his first of two second period goals during an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) celebrates his game-winning goal with center Wyatt Johnston and center Matt Duchene as Utah Hockey Club defenseman Mikhail Sergachev (98) skates away after during overtime of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. The Stars won 3-2 in overtime. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Matias Maccelli scored twice and Karel Vejmelka stopped 26 shots as Utah lost for the sixth time in seven games (1-4-2).
In overtime, Harley lifted the puck into the net after Vejmelka stopped a shot by Matt Duchene at the crease. It was Harley's 21st career goal — fourth in overtime — 155 games.
Maccelli tied it 1-1 just 1:14 after Benn put the Stars ahead 16 seconds into the second period. Bäck put the Stars ahead 2-1 with 9 1/2 minutes remaining in the second, and Maccelli tied it again 3:07 later with his second two-goal game and fifth goal of the season.
Maccelli scored for the first time since Nov. 7, going 23 games without a goal. Bäck scored for the first time since Nov. 14, going 22 games without a goal.
Utah: An 11-shot third period with the score tied kept them in the game.
Stars: The Stars are 23-2-1 in their past 26 games combined against Utah and its predecessors, the Arizona Coyotes.
Oettinger stretched for a glove save on Lawson Crouse about two minutes into overtime.
Dallas killed the game’s only penalty. The Stars have the best home penalty kill in the league and have allowed one power-play goal in 26 chances over the last 12 games.
Up Next
Stars play at the New York Rangers on Tuesday to open a five-game trip, and Utah hosts Florida on Wednesday to start a season-high seven-game homestand.
AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL
Utah Hockey Club center Alexander Kerfoot skates against the Dallas Stars during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) skates against Utah Hockey Club left wing Matias Maccelli (63) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Utah Hockey Club left wing Lawson Crouse (67) clears the puck away as Dallas Stars center Sam Steel (18) challenges him during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Utah Hockey Club defenseman Mikhail Sergachev (98) clears the puck away as Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) attacks during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Utah Hockey Club center Logan Cooley skates against the Dallas Stars during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
A shot by Utah Hockey Club left wing Matias Maccelli gets by Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger for a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Utah Hockey Club goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) deflects the puck as Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) attacks during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Dallas Stars center Oskar Back front left, and right wing Arttu Hyry center, react after Back scored a goal against the Utah Hockey Club during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. Hyry recorded his first career point while assisting Back on the goal. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Utah Hockey Club left wing Lawson Crouse (67) and defenseman Michael Kesselring (7) celebrate after left wing Matias Maccelli, not visible, scored his first of two second period goals during an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) celebrates his game-winning goal with center Wyatt Johnston and center Matt Duchene as Utah Hockey Club defenseman Mikhail Sergachev (98) skates away after during overtime of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Dallas. The Stars won 3-2 in overtime. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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 saw 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 impeded 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 wet 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.
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.
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'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 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 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 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 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, 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, 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)
