Atletico Madrid missed their chance to defend their La Liga championship trophy as Lionel Messi's goal in the second half gave FC Barcelona their 23rd trophy in the Spanish La Liga.

Before Atletico took the trophy in 2014, the Catalans reigned as La Liga champions for four consecutive years under the management of Pep Guardiola. This win marked the first league championship under Luis Enrique's leadership.

A rare treble is possible for FC Barcelona as they are also lined up for a finals match in the Copa Del Rey against Athletic Bilbao as well as Juventus FC in the UEFA Champions League, The Guardian noted.

Diego Simeone's team looked determined to take the lead when the first half started. Atletico almost scored a goal in front of their home crowd at Vicente Calderon in the 7th minute when Jose Gimenez took a shot from Koke's corner kick. Barca goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was just in time to keep the ball from going in.

Luis Enrique's team looked more determined to win the title in the second half and their relentlessness proved fruitful when Messi netted a goal in the 64th minute. An open space was just enough for the Argentine player to pass the ball to Pedro, who saw Messi in scoring position and passed it right back.

The 27-year old assessed his position and quickly struck the ball to the left bottom-corner goal post with his left foot, which gave the team an advantage and move one step closer to claiming the championship trophy.

Atletico was unable to equalize. And at the final whistle, Barca celebrated their victory as Gerard Pique sprayed champagne all over his teammates. Midfielder Sergio Busquets said that they are now relieved and admitted that La Liga was the most difficult league they have been in.

"This year we are on the right track, the first trophy is out of the way and now we have to celebrate it because it's the toughest competition to win as you have to play against all of the teams and be consistent," Busquets told AS.