Barcelona clinch league title for 3rd successive season***

MADRID, May 12 (AFP): Barcelona were crowned Spanish champions for the third successive season with a 1-1 draw at Levante Wednesday clinching a 21st domestic title with two games to spare. Barcelona needed just a point to retain the title and they duly obliged to become the first side to win three consecutive league titles since 1993 when Johan Cruyff's Barcelona 'Dream Team' won the third of their four straight league crowns. Mali midfielder Seydo Keita headed in a 27th minute opener for Barcelona only for Ecuadorian striker Felipe Caicedo to equalise on 40 minutes, but it didn't matter as a draw gave the Catalan side the title. Barcelona stand six points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid and they lift the title courtesy of their superior head to head record over their rivals. Coach Pep Guardiola has won the league title in each of his three seasons in charge and can now concentrate on going for the double with the Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on May 28. "Winning the title is always difficult and this one was tough just like the others were before," said Guardiola. "Now we can enjoy this win." Real Madrid's 4-0 win over Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu Tuesday meant Barcelona had to finish the title job themselves. Guardiola vowed not to rest his stars and was true to his word as the likes of Lionel Messi, David Villa and Xavi started although Andres Iniesta began on the bench. French international Eric Abidal also started at left back in his first league start since mid-March having successfully undergone surgery on a liver tumour. Levante sounded an early warning with Valdo firing just wide but the visitors drew first blood through Keita on 27 minutes.