A 3-0 win against Cadiz and Girona’s 4-2 victory over Barcelona secured a record 36th league title for Real Madrid in what coach Carlo Ancelotti described as a “deserved” La Liga title.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side did perfect their work by beating Cadiz, and after last season’s champions stumbled against Girona, Los Blancos were crowned champions.
Ancelotti rotated heavily ahead of the Champions League semi-final second-leg clash with Bayern. However, his players got the job done after Brahim Diaz netted in the 51st minute to put Madrid ahead and then set up Jude Bellingham, with Joselu tapping home a third.
“We’ve had a spectacular Liga campaign,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“We’ve made few errors, and the advantage is deserved.”
Madrid’s comfortable win over Cadiz sent them 14 points clear of last season’s champions Barcelona, in third, with only 12 left to play for.
Meanwhile, Girona’s dramatic victory saw the Catalan minnows qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history in only their fourth season in Spain’s top flight.
Girona, second after their second 4-2 win over Barcelona this season, trail Madrid by 13 points.
“We leave our skins out there on the pitch to live moments like today’s,” Madrid striker Joselu told Real Madrid TV.
“There are young players who are very hungry for titles, veterans who are delighted to be here… and these are special moments.”
With the Bayern second leg in mind, Ancelotti only selected captain Nacho Fernandez from the starting line-up that earned a 2-2 draw in Bavaria this week.
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois started for the first time after a nine-month layoff after a knee injury and kept a clean sheet.
Madrid midfielder Luka Modric became the oldest player to appear for the club in La Liga, at 38 years and 238 days, breaking late Hungarian excellent Ferenc Puskas’ record from 1965 by five days.
The visitors, 18th and still battling to stay up, shaded the first half, but Madrid’s goals came in the second.
Courtois made a superb save to deny Chris Ramos early in the second half, and Madrid took the lead immediately afterwards.
‘Impossible to compete’
Los Blancos were able to celebrate after Girona came from behind twice to defeat Barcelona in a wild clash.
The Catalans took the lead through Andreas Christensen after three minutes, but La Liga’s top scorer, Artem Dovbyk, levelled with his 20th campaign goal just a minute later.
Robert Lewandowski sent Barcelona ahead with a penalty after Lamine Yamal was felled, but substitute Portu made a massive impact in the second half for Girona.
Michel Sanchez’s side netted two goals in two minutes to turn the game on its head. Portu netted the equaliser moments after coming on and then set up Miguel Gutierrez to put Girona ahead.
Portu sensationally volleyed home the fourth to ignite Girona’s tiny Montilivi stadium and start the party.
Girona played Champions League music over the stadium sound system to give their fans a taste of things to come.
“It’s a shame we sink with any negative situation,” said Barcelona coach Xavi after Barcelona lost their crown.
“Like this, it’s impossible to compete.”