Real Madrid got crowned La Liga champions for the 34th time on Thursday, July 16, after Karim Benzema scored twice in a 2-1 victory over Villarreal which clinched the title with one game to spare.
Benzema’s double included a controversial second-half penalty at the empty Alfredo di Stefano Stadium as Madrid moved 7 points clear to end Barcelona’s two-year hold on the trophy.
Barca had to prevail against Osasuna at home and hope Madrid slipped up but their fading challenge ended with a 2-1 defeat at Camp Nou, despite a brilliant Lionel Messi free-kick.
Madrid claimed its third La Liga title in 8 years, after a relentless run of form since Spanish football resumed on June 11 following the coronavirus pandemic.
Zinedine Zidane’s side have won 10 games out 10 since the restart. They have conceded 3 goals in that time and never been behind in a match.
“For me this is one of the best days in my professional career,” said Zidane. “After lockdown and everything, it’s astonishing.”
Asked if it trumps the Champions League titles Madrid won in his first spell as manager, Zidane said: “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.”
