Real Madrid are La Liga champions for the 35th time, having opened up an unassailable advantage at the top of the table with four matches to spare.
On Saturday, Carlo Ancelotti’s side claimed the title thanks to a 4-0 win over Espanyol. It also meant that the Italian became the first manager in history to claim league titles in all of Europe’s Big 5 leagues.
Los Blancos claimed an easy win, despite rotating their side heavily with the midweek Champions League encounter against Manchester City in mind. Rodrygo netted twice in the first half to allow them to cruise in the second. Marco Asensio got the third before Karim Benzema added a late flourish in what was a clinical performance from the home side.
While top spot may have been tied down, the Champions League spots certainly aren’t, with the clubs below Real Madrid struggling for form. This was underlined on Friday as Sevilla were held to a 1-1 draw by Cadiz, despite an early strike from Youssef En-Nesyri.
This was followed on Saturday by Atletico Madrid suffering a 2-0 away loss to Athletic Club, putting their chances of finishing in the top four under severe strain following a draw against Granada a week earlier. An own goal from Mario Hermoso and a penalty from Inaki Williams handed the Basques victory.
Barcelona took advantage of these slips on Sunday as they battled to claim a 2-1 victory over Mallorca at Camp Nou, breaking a three-match losing streak at the venue. Memphis Depay opened the scoring for the home side before Sergio Busquets added a second soon after the break. It was a nervy conclusion as Anthonio Raillo got one back, but Barca saw the game out serenely.
On 66 points, Xavi’s side are two points of Sevilla in third, while seven points from their final four games would assure a Champions League spot next term/.
At the foot of the table, Alaves gave themselves survival hope as they shocked Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal 2-1 at home, and in the process they leapfrogged Levante, who are now bottom, despite a creditable 1-1 draw away to Valencia.
LA LIGA STATISTICS: