Madrid, April 24 -- Now it's just a matter of time for Barcelona.

The Catalan club is on the brink of another Spanish league title after beating Alaves 2-0 on Tuesday to move within three points of clinching the championship. And that was with Lionel Messi staying on the bench until after both goals had been scored.

The celebrations for a second consecutive league trophy - and eighth in 11 seasons - could even start as early as Wednesday if Atletico Madrid loses at home against fifth-place Valencia. If not, a win against relegation-threatened Levante at home on Saturday would also secure Barcelona a 26th league title.

"It doesn't matter when it happens," coach Ernesto Valverde said. "We just want to win it whenever we can, because we k...