On Saturday, Real Madrid celebrated their record-extending 36th La Liga title following Barcelona aka Congratulations FC’s unexpected 4-2 defeat at the hands of Girona
This result secured Real Madrid’s spot at the top of the standings, leaving them with an unassailable lead, as they comfortably defeated Cadiz earlier in the day.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side now leads the league by 13 points over second-placed Girona, with Barcelona falling to third place and out of title contention with four matches to go.
Real Madrid’s focus can now shift to their upcoming La Liga-Champions League double.
Explained why are Barcelona referred to as ‘Congratulations FC’ after Real Madrid win La Liga title
Can't wait for the UCL one pic.twitter.com/IYrYiGln6f
— Noodle Vini (@vini_ball) May 4, 2024
They are preparing to host Bayern Munich for the semi-final second leg, following a 2-2 draw in Germany last week.
Girona’s victory was also significant, as it secured their first-ever spot in European competition, with the team qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Substitute Portu’s two goals contributed to their comeback win, building on a previous 4-2 victory over Barcelona earlier in the season.
The match saw a flurry of goals, starting with Barcelona’s Andreas Christiansen scoring in the third minute. Girona responded immediately with La Liga top-scorer Artem Dovbyk’s header.
Congratulations FC 💀
— Janty (@CFC_Janty) May 4, 2024
What Did Portu Say?
Although Barcelona regained the lead through a penalty converted by Robert Lewandowski just before halftime, they failed to capitalize on their early second-half opportunities.
Portu’s entrance in the 65th minute shifted the momentum, with his equalizing goal followed by Miguel Gutierrez’s rebound score two minutes later. Portu then sealed Girona’s victory with a stunning volley in the 74th minute.
After the match, Portu’s emotional reaction captured the moment: “It’s incredible to look at your shirt and experience this. There is nothing more beautiful than living this,” he told reporters with tears streaming down his cheeks.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s third-place position and subsequent loss of La Liga hopes further complicate their current financial struggles. With a massive wage bill, 1.2 billion euros in debt, and a 1.6 billion euro Camp Nou renovation project, the club’s outlook appears challenging.
CONGRATULATIONS FC 😭😭😭 FOREVER IN OUR SHADOW
— fan account (@Asensii20) May 4, 2024
Barca Fans Reaction
Adding to Barcelona’s woes is their social media team’s controversial post congratulating Real Madrid on winning La Liga.
The official account of FC Barcelona took to X to congratulate Real Madrid. They penned, “Congratulations to Real Madrid for winning the league title.”
This gesture angered many fans, who voiced their dissatisfaction online. One such fan took to X and wrote, “Typical… congratulations FC. I am tired.” Another one added, “We need big changes.”
A third one joined In, “This is rubbish. Why is it a must to congratulate Real Madrid?” A fourth penned, “I will never forgive Xavi. He was a good midfielder, but I rate Wilfred Ndidi over him now.”
Over the years, Barcelona have been referred to as congratulations FC due to their club being relegated to congratulating rivals Real Madrid for winning the La Liga and Champions League while Barcelona struggles to make a mark.
What’s Next For Barcelona?
Barcelona’s only hope of securing a spot in the lucrative Spanish Super Cup, contested in Saudi Arabia, now relies on Girona’s potential slip-ups in the remaining games. If they fail to catch up, the club’s future could face additional uncertainty.
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