Real Madrid FC have been crowned La Liga champions title on Friday with a game to spare as Barcelona continue to struggle and suffered another shocking defeat.
Madrid sealed title after beating Villareal 2-1 at home. Karim Benzema gave Real the lead in the first half and then doubled the tally from the penalty spot. Villareal hit back with a late goal and came very close to equalising in the second half with a flurry of chances late on but Madrid goal-keeper Thibaut Courtois showed great presence under the bar to keep Los Blancos in front.
Meanwhile Barcelona lost at home against a 10-man Osasuna side, who scored in second half injury time to secure a famous 2-1 win. Lionel Messi equalised in the second half after an early goal by Jose Arnaiz, but Roberto Torres scored a late winner to sink Barcelona’s title hopes.
This is Madrid’s first league title since the 2016-17 season, and the second under the stewardship of manager Zidane. Just like in 2017, Real have managed to stop bitter rivals Barca from completing a hat-trick of league titles.
Real Madrid has now won the league 34 times, as compared to Barcelona’s 26 titles.