Real Madrid was crowned La Liga champion for the 34th time on Thursday after Karim Benzema scored twice in a 2-1 victory over Villarreal, who secured the title with a game to spare. Benzema's double included a penalty in the second half at the empty Alfredo di Stefano stadium, as Madrid moved seven points to end Barcelona's two-year control of the trophy. Barça had to prevail against Osasuna at home and wait for Madrid to slip, but their deflated challenge ended with a 2-1 loss at Camp Nou, despite a brilliant free kick by Lionel Messi.
It means that Madrid is claiming its third La Liga title in 12 years, after a relentless career since Spanish football resumed on June 11 after the coronavirus pandemic.
Zinedine Zidane's team has won 10 games out of 10 since the restart. They have conceded four goals at the time and have never lagged behind in a match.
"For me, this is one of the best days of my professional career," said Zidane. "After closing and everything, it's amazing."
When asked if he beats the Champions League titles Madrid won in his first term as manager, Zidane said: "This is better than nothing. It takes tremendous effort to win the League. After 38 games, you have more points no one. It's damn fantastic. "
Madrid were also awarded five penalties during the match, some of them controversial, and this also caused a stir when Sergio Ramos attempted to roll the ball to Benzema, who finished but had entered the area too early.
To Villarreal's irritation, Madrid was allowed to resume and this time Benzema was not mistaken, before Vicente Iborra addressed what turned out to be a late consolation.
"It is an award for all the work we have done, this is the reward," said Ramos. "We have one more game and we want to win 11 of 11."
From NDTV Sports
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