Wearing the club’s trademark blue and claret-coloured shirts, fans cheered as an open-top bus passed by carrying Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and other stars who were taking photos with their mobiles, throwing confetti or singing “champions, champions.”

It is the eighth time Barca have achieved the feat, although the celebratory parade through the city centre was not as well attended and less exuberant than in past years.

Not only did it take place in the middle of a long weekend, when many locals leave the city, but Barca fans are still reeling from their shock elimination by Roma in the Champions League quarter-finals.

“It’s an incomplete season, it feels like two titles is not enough,” says Enric Vilalta, a 57-year-old supporter who went to the victory parade with his two children wearing Barcelona shirts.

“The Copa (del Rey) is not the biggest award and La Liga is good but the Champions (League) is what generates excitement. You can lose in semi-finals or in the final, but not in the quarter-finals and against a lesser team.”

“What happened with Roma is a thorn in our side,” says Javier Gibello, a 37-year-old civil servant who also brought his son.

“But if I had to mark them, I’d give them a B plus.”

As arch-rivals Real Madrid continue their bid for a record-extending 13th Champions League title, Barca fans are left pondering what might have been had their turbulent season gone differently.

The departure of Brazilian star Neymar last summer came before defeat to Real in the Spanish Super Cup.

Barcelona regrouped, dominating their rivals on the pitch to win the Copa del Rey with a 5-0 demolition of Sevilla last week and then securing the league title, in their first season with Ernesto Valverde as coach, with a 4-2 win at Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday.

It is Barca’s seventh La Liga title in 10 years and their fourth consecutive Copa del Rey victory.

“The problem is we always want more,” says Trini Lorente, a 58-year-old supporter.

“But the season is really good, especially if tomorrow (Tuesday) Real Madrid loses,” joked her husband Jordi Olive, referring to the semi-final between their arch-rival and Bayern Munich.

Real, who beat Bayern 2-1 in the first leg of their semi-final last week, host the Bundesliga giants for the second leg on Tuesday.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are on the brink of reaching the final of Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since 2007 as they look to defend a three-goal advantage against AS Roma in the Italian capital.

But off-pitch tensions are high as Liverpool supporter Sean Cox lies in a coma after being attacked before last week’s first leg in Anfield.

Two Roma supporters were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and club legend Francesco Totti has appealed for “fair play, hospitality and respect for our opponents”.

Former Roma striker Mohamed Salah scored two brilliant goals and set up two more as Liverpool went five up at Anfield before two late goals gave Roma hope of a potential fightback.

Klopp’s side are bidding for a sixth European title having won two, in 1977 and 1984, at the Stadio Olimpico — the latter on penalties against Roma.

Both teams are third in their domestic leagues and in the running for Champions League football next season.

But Liverpool have suffered serious disruption in the buildup after Klopp’s right-hand man, Zeljko Buvac, dubbed “the brain” by the German, stepped aside for personal reasons this week.

Buvac, who was on the bench with Klopp for Saturday’s goalless draw against Stoke, has been the German’s trusted right-hand man for the last 17 years.

Added to the distractions is star striker Salah’s image-rights dispute with the Egyptian football association.

The Roma game also comes days before Liverpool clash with Chelsea in the Premier League.

“Liverpool always has to take the slightly more difficult way and it’s again like this,” said Klopp.

“We created a basis and now we have to finish it.”

It’s a clash between two sides who have not won the domestic title in years.

Liverpool won the last of their 18 Premier League titles 28 years ago.

Since then the Reds lifted the Champions league trophy in 2005, when they fought back to stun AC Milan on penalties after conceding three-first goals in Istanbul, and two years later when they lost to the Italians in Athens.

“Nothing is won so far,” warned Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino, looking towards the May 26 final against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in Kiev.

“There is a possibility of winning the Champions League – but we have a semi-final to finish first.”

“It would be a rare thing to do, a unique moment in our lives, in mine. It’s my first Champions League season.”

Klopp will be without midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, out for the season with a knee injury, with Georginio Wijnaldum likely to be the only change from the first leg.

Emre Can (back) and Adam Lallana (hamstring) are also struggling with injuries.

Eusebio Di Francesco looks set to be without Kevin Strootman as Roma target just their second final — 34 years after that fateful defeat to Liverpool. The 28-year-old midfielder suffered a leg injury in the first leg and he still hasn’t been cleared to be fully fit. Di Francesco is likely to play a 4-3-3 formation, which will see Lorenzo Pellegrini replace the Dutch player.

Roma, who won the last of their three Serie A titles in 2001, warmed up for Liverpool with a 4-1 win over Chievo in which Edin Dzeko bagged a brace.

Having earned their place in the last four after overcoming a 3-0 first-leg deficit to Barcelona in the quarter-finals, Di Francesco believes he can mastermind what would be another spectacular comeback.

“We’ve done something extraordinary in the Champions League this season,” said Di Francesco.

“This team has had a great journey and we don’t want to stop now. We want to believe in this comeback.”

And Czech forward Patrik Schick warned they had spotted Liverpool’s weaknesses.

“We saw that they’re not as strong at the back as in attack, we have the chance to score three goals at home.

“In my opinion we have to go on the pitch without fear, with great determination and great courage.”

The 34-year-old native of Matsudo, Japan has been granted a rematch against newly-minted division kingpin Alex “Little Rock” Silva in the main event of ONE: GRIT AND GLORY, which takes place at the Jakarta Convention Center on 12 May.

Nearly five months ago, Naito bowed down to Silva, who demonstrated his rapidly-evolving striking game to beat the then-undefeated Japanese champion by unanimous decision at ONE: WARRIORS OF THE WORLD in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Alex had more superiority in the cage on that night. I could not dictate the pace and do what I wanted to do. I was adapting throughout the match. In every aspect, my game plan failed,” he recalled.

Naito admitted that he was caught off guard by the pesky striking arsenal of Silva, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion who previously exhibited his grappling prowess with five consecutive submission victories as he surged into world title contention last year.

“In the beginning, I thought his weakness was striking since he is a multi-titled Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. However, it turned out that his strikes hurt a lot,” he confessed. “That was my first time meeting an athlete who is good at everything. After the loss, I felt I was not good enough at anything.”

Although Naito revealed that it took him a few months to accept the outcome of his unsuccessful title defense against Silva last December, the disappointing defeat to the Brazilian gave him a renewed hunger to improve his craft.

“At first, it was very hard to accept. You can say that it was a rude awakening, but the loss gave me a fresh perspective. The heartbreak was transformed into a drive to win again,” he said.

While Naito has rededicated himself to progressing both his striking and his grappling skills, perhaps the biggest evolution is one that cannot be physically seen.

“I hope I got stronger. But what I am sure about is that my heart is definitely stronger than before,” he stated.

As he prepares to step inside the ONE Championship cage with Silva once more on 12 May, Naito now holds his Brazilian rival in high regard as he vows to try his best to capitalize on the golden chance that lies before him.

“I am so happy to get another chance to have a rematch against him. I really respect him. He is a great athlete,” he asserted.

“The championship belt is special for me. I am so honored to be able to fight the strongest athlete in the division whether I win or not. I can fight the strongest athlete, and I have a chance to get the championship belt. That makes it very special for me,” Naito added.

Almost five months removed from losing his coveted title belt to Silva, Naito’s competitive fire is burning intensely and is more driven than ever to return to glory.

“I will get my belt back. My ultimate goal is to become a champion again,” he assured.

Prawit, also president of the Sports Authority of Thailand Commission, told reporters that Thailand had secured broadcasting rights for the World Cup, which kicks off on June 14 and ends July 15.

The total Bt14 billion needed to pay for the broadcast licence was raised by nine companies – BTS Group Holdings, Thai Beverage, Charoen Pokphand Group, Gulf Energy Development, Kasikornbank, King Power International, PTT Global Chemical, Bangchak Corporation and Carabao Tawandang.

“The government is pleased to announce to Thai people that, through Infront Sports & Media AG, owner of the broadcasting rights in Asia, an agreement with the International Football Federation [Fifa] for the rights to live broadcast the 2018 World Cup tournament has been successfully secured,” said Prawit.

However, the deal took longer than expected to clinch as King Power, which was in charge of initial negotiations, was recently notified that Fifa would only execute deals with broadcast operators. As a result, cable and satellite TV operator True Visions was appointed to replace the duty free business operator and represent Thailand in negotiations to ink the deal.

To comply with the government’s “Must Have” policy, which states that Thais must be able to watch major sporting events like the World Cup free of charge, fans will now enjoy live broadcast of every World Cup match, spread over the three channels.

“Thai people can be sure that they will be able to enjoy watching all of the 64 World Cup matches this year for free,” Prawit said.

The deputy prime minister also said he hoped fans would refrain from gambling on the tournament.

The programme of daily broadcasts will be revealed later.

Layne Norton and Holly Baxter headlined a special program of fitness and nutrition coaching over April 28 and 29, followed by a VIP press day on this April 30th. Fully endorsed and supported by International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), the program highlights the IPF’s commitment to developing the sport of drug-free competitive powerlifting globally, bringing this extraordinary show of strength, focus, balance and dedication to lifting to growing and increasingly enthusiastic weightlifting and fitness audiences in Thailand.

John Coyle, future President of the Thai Powerlifting Federation (TPF), a newly created Federation affiliate in Thailand, introduced the arrival of the sport, explaining, “Powerlifting attracts a massive following of athletes globally, and we want to bring this sport to Thailand, to connect it to a new generation of lifters. The lifting community in Thailand can at times be inclined to follow a certain previously established (or assumed) ‘template’ for what is possible in lifting; that is, that performance-enhancing drugs are necessary to achieve one’s best. Supported by the IPF, powerlifting is a sport that is 100% drug-free, and this is a key principal for anyone who competes in the sport. We want to encourage all kinds of fitness enthusiasts, lifters and sports fans in Thailand to explore our terrific sport, revel in its expression of ‘natural power’, and discover their best performance as part of a really supportive international community”.

Dr. Layne Norton, a top USA Powerlifter and ambassador for the TPF, says, “We’re here in Thailand to support the newly created Thai Powerlifting Federation, and we’ve had this great opportunity to take part in a Powerlifting demonstration as well as a two-day seminar and practical program. It’s an amazing thing to represent the IPF from America, which now has an exciting new affiliate here in Thailand! Both Holly and I are big fans of the sport. I’ve been competing myself for almost ten years; it’s absolutely changed my life and I love it. Thailand, if you want to compete at a high level in a drug-free environment, this is your only place to do it!”.

Australian Fitness Model and social media star Holly Baxter concludes, “We’ve had chance to go through how the squat, deadlift and bench press work, and give people an idea of how the sport operates. Through the forthcoming two-day seminar and practicals, we’ve been able to attract new members, giving them the chance to begin to compete at a high level in a drug-free environment. It’s not just for big people or for guys; it’s for people of all sizes and from all backgrounds. It’s exciting to be part of this growing movement for drug-free competition, and offer an amazing platform for athletes and newcomers to get involved and experience the lifestyle which in itself is positively life-changing”.

Prawit, President of the Sports Authority of Thailand Commission, announced at a press conference at Kesakomon House that Thailand has secured the broadcasting rights of the World Cup football from 14 June to 15 July in Russia this year.

“The government is pleased to announce to Thai people that, through Infront Sports & Media AG, owner of the broadcasting rights in Asia, the agreement with the International Football Federation (FIFA) for the rights to live broadcast the 2018 World Cup tournament has been successfully secured.”

Prawit Wongsuwan, middle, during the press conference.

According to the government’s “Must Have” policy, people in Thailand must be able to watch major sporting events including World Cup, Olympics, Asian Games and SEA Games for free. As a result, fans can watch the Cup on three free Channels which are True4U (Channel 24), Amarin TV (Channel 34) and Channel 5

“Thai people can be sure that they will be able to enjoy watching all of the 64 World Cup matches this year for free,” said Gen Prawit.

Nine private sector organizations: BTS Group Holdings Plc, Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, Charoen Pokphand Group, Gulf Energy Development Plc, Kasikornbank Plc, King Power International Co Ltd, PTT Global Chemical Plc, Bangchak Corporation Plc and Carabao Tawandang Co Ltd financially support the purchase of this World Cup broadcast license in Thailand.

New Zealand’s Ko, has slipped to 18th in the world as she searched for her first LPGA victory since the Marathon Classic in July of 2016.

Up by one to start the day, she bogeyed three of her first six holes, but showed her championship mettle on a solid back nine at the Lake Merced Golf Club, where victories in 2014 and 2015 helped fuel her precocious rise to the summit of women’s golf.

Her three-wood second shot at the first playoff hole, the par-five 18th, bounced short of the green and rolled toward the pin.

After Australia’s Lee salvaged a birdie from the greenside rough, Ko rolled in her three-foot eagle putt to end the Down Under playoff duel.

Ko, who turned 21 on Tuesday, dropped her head back — in relief or disbelief — then cried as she was congratulated on the green.

“When that putt dropped I was like ‘Oh my God,'” Auckland’s Ko said after notching her 15th career LPGA title, a tally that includes two majors. “A lot of emotions, my whole team and my family have worked really hard for this moment.”

Ko, whose chip from off the green at 18 in regulation kissed the edge of the cup, tapped in for birdie to complete a one-under 71 and force the playoff as the she joined Lee in the clubhouse on 12-under par 276.

Lee, also 21, finished with back-to-back birdies, holing out from a bunker at 17 and ramming in a birdie putt at the last to post a four-under 68 that featured seven birdies.

Lee, of Perth, remains in search of her fourth LPGA title and her first since the 2017 Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic.

On a day that saw three different players hold the lead, Ko recovered from her shaky start with five birdies.

That included a chip-in from off the green at 13 and a birdie at 15 that gave her a one-shot lead over Lee, who was unable to get up and down for par from a bunker at 16.

Lee regained a share of the lead with her hole out from a bunker at 17, where Ko left her birdie putt well right and settled for a par.

“It’s crazy because I was three-over for the day at one point,” Ko said. “I said hey, you’ve just got to focus you never know what could happen — and I was able to kind of put my game together on the back nine.”

Thai No 1 Ariya Jutanugarn hit a 70 to land at joint seventh with a total 281 along with Caroline Masson, Aditi Ashok, and Nasa Hataoka. Her sister Moriya, winner in LA last week, shot a 73 for a total 283 for tied 11th.

Wenger was greeted by former United boss Alex Ferguson and Mourinho before kick-off and even presented with a glass momento.

However, Wenger was left empty-handed when it came to points as defeat left sixth-placed Arsenal mathematically out of the race for a top-four finish.

Marouane Fellaini rose highest to flick home the winner in stoppage time after Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s second-half strike against his former club had cancelled out Paul Pogba’s early opener.

“I hope I play against him again,” said Mourinho, who has a history of spats with Wenger, most famously describing the Frenchman as a “specialist in failure” for his inability to win the Premier League since 2003/04.

“I hope that can happen again. If not in the Premier League, who knows (where) we can have a big match somewhere?”

United have now sealed their place in the Champions League next season and moved closer to their target of finishing at least second best to champions Manchester City by opening a five-point gap on Liverpool.

“Ok progress at many levels, but (it’s) not enough to be first instead of second and not enough to win the Champions League instead of the Europa League,” added Mourinho.

“It’s enough to finish second, to be stable, to win some trophies, to reach some finals, but we need more.”

‘Classy’ gesture

Ferguson told the United website ahead of the game that his clashes for many years with Wenger’s strongest Arsenal sides over a decade ago “made the Premier League.”

But it was a sign of how far Arsenal have fallen that Wenger made eight changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday as he had already given up hope of a top-four finish.

“It goes to show you, once you are not a danger any more, people love you,” said Wenger on his fond farewell from the United fans.

“I am thankful to Manchester United. They had a nice gesture before the game, it was the first time I got a trophy before the game. It was very classy from them.

“I want to have a glass of wine now with Sir Alex because he has always good wine.”

Alexis Sanchez became the latest of a number of leading Arsenal players to leave towards the end of Wenger’s reign in search of more success and more money in January.

And in his first appearance against his former club, the Chilean was heavily involved in the opening goal on 16 minutes.

Romelu Lukaku picked out Sanchez at the back post and after his header was deflected onto his own post by Hector Bellerin, Pogba had the simple task of tapping into an unguarded net.

Wenger included club record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan, who was the makeweight for Sanchez to move in the other direction, among a side littered with youngsters.

Mkhitaryan dragged a shot from the edge of the box just wide before Aubameyang’s tame header was too close to David de Gea.

United suffered a blow at the start of the second period when Lukaku limped off to be replaced by Marcus Rashford.

And the hosts soon also lost their lead when Mkhitaryan pounced on some slack United defending to fire across De Gea into the bottom corner to muted celebrations despite enduring a troubled 18 months under Mourinho before joining the Gunners.

United struggled to create in their search for a winner, but Arsenal failed to heed their warning when Rashford was denied by the offside flag after Fellaini’s header came off the post a minute from time.

Moments later Fellaini rose highest once more to meet Ashley Young’s cross and the Belgian’s looping header found the far corner to leave Arsenal still without a point away from home in the Premier League this year.

Wenger and Ferguson were fierce rivals for many years as Arsenal and United battled for Premier League supremacy in Wenger’s first decade of a 22-year reign in charge.

However, the tension between the two has since eased, and Ferguson greeted Wenger on the touchline before kick-off before presenting him with a glass momento alongside current United manager Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho has also had his spats with Wenger, most famously decribing the Frenchman as a “specialist in failure” for his inability to win the Premier League since 2003/04.

It was all smiles as the Portuguese and Wenger enjoyed a warm embrace before kick-off while Wenger was applauded by the United support.

“There are some great clubs and some fantastic competition in the Premier League now, but United against Arsenal was great for the game. It made the Premier League,” Ferguson told the United website.

“Virtually every game we played against Arsenal, there was a real edge to the match. There were confrontations, because there were two teams and two managers battling for one award: the Premier League.

“In my time, we had a few arguments but I always did really respect the man because he did a fantastic job at his club.”

It was world number one Nadal’s 55th career clay-court title while he also extended his winning streak on the surface to 46 consecutive sets.

The 31-year-old Spaniard won his 11th Monte Carlo Masters last weekend, also without dropping a set.

Nadal now has 77 titles overall while his career clay-court match record stands at 401 wins against just 35 defeats.

“It’s very difficult to describe how to win 11 titles at one tournament. To win 11 Monte-Carlos and 11 Barcelonas is something I couldn’t imagine doing. I’m just enjoying every week and the fact I’m playing in a tournament that I enjoy so much means a lot to me,” said Nadal.

His win on Sunday was greeted by ticker-tape and a video review of all his titles on the centre court in Barcelona which now bears his name.

“It’s really emotional to see that video. I never dreamed of having a career like this,” said the 16-time Grand Slam title winner.

“Last year, they made a video of my 10 titles here. Now they have had to make another video for 11 — it makes me feel like I am ageing.

“Thanks to everyone for making the tournament so special and thanks to my family who have been with me even when things have not been so smooth.”

Nadal is now level with John McEnroe on 77 career titles with only Jimmy Connors (109), Roger Federer (97) and Ivan Lendl (94) ahead of him.

Rafael Nadal (R) pours champagne on Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas.

He may not catch them but one thing is for certain — barring injury, he is more than likely to be lifting an 11th ‘Coupe des Mousquetaires’ at Roland Garros in Paris on June 10.

His confidence of capturing a 17th major will be boosted by seeing his ‘Big Four’ rivals falling by the wayside.

Roger Federer is skipping the clay season for a second successive year to concentrate his assault on a ninth Wimbledon title.

Novak Djokovic is struggling to recover from an elbow injury and Andy Murray hasn’t played since last year’s Wimbledon and underwent hip sugery in January.

Tsitsipas, 19 years old and ranked 63, was the first Greek man to make an ATP final since Nicholas Kalogeropoulos in Des Moines back in 1973.

He was also the youngest Barcelona finalist since Nadal in 2005.

“Stefanos, you had an incredible week. You have a great future and I wish you great success,” added Nadal of an opponent who will become just the second teenager in the world top 50 next week after Canada’s Denis Shapovalov.

Nadal needed just 77 minutes to claim victory on Sunday.

After racing through the opening set, he was quickly 3-0 up in the second before Tsitsipas carved out a degree of hope in the fourth game when he had two break points.

They were quickly saved by Nadal who then claimed the title on a third match point in the seventh game when the teenager dumped a one-handed backhand into the net.

“I have seen millions of Rafa’s clay matches on TV — I have been preparing for this match for 10 years,” joked the young Greek.