Relaño
The LaLiga title Zidane won with two teams
AS Editor Alfredo Relaño looks Real Madrid's 33rd Liga win, after they beat Málaga to clinch the title.
Real Madrid danced in the Rosaleda, full of joy at winning this LaLiga title they so desired, because they've missed out on it for several years now. It was a tough league to win, fought over with Barcelona right to the last day, and finished off with one decent last game against a fine Málaga side. Málaga have been great for the last few weeks, with Michel in charge, and apart from their blunder to let Cristiano Ronaldo score the first goal, they had a great game, playing decent, dangerous football. Keylor Navas, back to his best, was among the best Madrid players. One of his saves, from a lethal Sandro shot, was superb.
Ronaldo opens scoring for Real Madrid
Real Madrid had their evening on track early on though, with a goal from Cristiano after a perfect pass from Isco, who picked up a loose ball after a Málaga blunder. And the news soon filtered through of Japanese player Inui's opener in the Camp Nou for Eibar. It all seemed sorted out very early on. But Málaga reacted like the fine side they've been for the past few weeks, and with some cracking football kept the matchday very much alive, particularly with Sandro's imposing presence. He's been a revelation at the end of the season. Until Madrid's second goal came they didn't feel that they had the title in the bag. But once they got it, they did, and it didn't matter that Barcelona turned their match around to beat Eibar 4-2, with a final great goal from Messi.
Real Madrid's title won with two teams
LaLiga isn't won in 90 minutes, but over 38 matches. Played over the four seasons and at every ground. And it's not won with 11 players, but with 22. In Málaga, where not so long Barcelona lost, it was Zidane's A team who won, but in Ipurua, El Molinón, Butarque, Riazor and Los Cármenes it was the B team who picked up 15 vital points, without slipping up. That's been the difference over Barcelona, what the second string players have brought. Brilliant for Madrid, poor for Barça. And praise has to go to Zidane, who has done the hardest job a coach has to do: ensure the players who don't feature much remain committed. A fine Liga title for Madrid, who now look to Cardiff.