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Real Madrid have been topped La Liga champions for the 34th time on Thursday after Karim Benzema scored twice in a 2-1 victory over Villarreal which clinched the title with one recreation to spare. Benzema’s double included a second-half penalty on the empty Alfredo di Stefano Stadium as Madrid moved seven factors clear to finish Barcelona’s two-year maintain on the trophy. Barca needed to prevail towards Osasuna at house and hope Madrid slipped up however their fading problem ended with a 2-1 defeat at Camp Nou, regardless of an excellent Lionel Messi free-kick.
It means Madrid declare their third La Liga title in 12 years, after a relentless run of type since Spanish soccer resumed on June 11 following the coronavirus pandemic.
Zinedine Zidane’s side have gained 10 video games out 10 because the restart. They have conceded 4 objectives in that point and by no means been behind in a match.
“For me this is one of the best days in my professional career,” mentioned Zidane. “After lockdown and everything, it’s astonishing.”
Asked if it trumps the Champions League titles Madrid gained in his first spell as supervisor, Zidane mentioned: “This is better than anything. It takes a tremendous effort to win La Liga. After 38 matches, you have more points than anyone else. It’s bloody fantastic.”
Madrid have additionally been awarded 5 penalties throughout the run-in, a few of them controversially, and this one brought on a stir too as Sergio Ramos tried to roll the ball to Benzema, who completed, however had entered the world too early.
Much to Villarreal’s irritation, Madrid have been allowed to retake and this time Benzema made no mistake, earlier than Vicente Iborra headed in what proved a late comfort.
“It’s a prize for all the work we’ve done, this is the reward,” mentioned Ramos. “We have one more match and we want to win 11 out of 11.”
Setien beneath strain at Barca
After three months away, Barcelona had returned sitting prime of the desk however attracts with Sevilla, struggling Celta Vigo and Atletico Madrid allowed Madrid to take cost.
Barca have been additionally in first place after they sacked Ernesto Valverde in January and whereas the membership’s issues go deeper than their coach, Quique Setien’s place will come beneath scrutiny.
“Things have to change,” mentioned Messi. “Everyone here in the club will be feeling very angry about what has happened this season and that’s normal. The players feel like that too.”
Messi added: “We have to be self-critical, starting with the players, but across the whole club.”
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu mentioned this week that Setien will stay in cost for subsequent month’s Champions League tie towards Napoli however the coach’s choice to depart Luis Suarez out of the beginning line-up for a second consecutive recreation will elevate questions.
Yet few may argue Madrid deserve the title and it was becoming that Benzema delivered it, his double taking his tally for the season to 26 in all competitions.
His first got here after 28 minutes when Casemiro stole possession in midfield and freed Luka Modric. He slid via Benzema, who fired via the legs of Sergio Asenjo.
Ramos had scored 5 objectives himself because the restart and will have had a sixth after he was tripped by the dangling leg of Sofian Chakla.
But his ploy to tee up Benzema backfired when his teammate encroached too early. Benzema transformed the re-take.
Iborra headed in Mario Gaspar’s cross to arrange a nervy end however Barcelona have been nonetheless being held by Osasuna.
Messi’s curling free-kick into the highest nook had cancelled out Osasuna’s opener from Jose Arnaiz, as soon as of Barca B.
But Osasuna had a remaining trick up their sleeve as Roberto Torres completed on the again publish to wrap up Barca’s depressing evening on the finish of a turbulent season.
Real Mallorca’s hopes of survival are over after they misplaced 2-1 at house to Granada however Alaves assured their security by successful at Real Betis.
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With Espanyol already down, the ultimate relegation spot can be between Celta Vigo, who misplaced 3-2 to Levante, and Leganes, who beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0.
Leganes are some extent behind and play on Sunday at house to Real Madrid whereas Celta go to Espanyol.
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