Barcelona shock defeat at Girona earned Real Madrid a “deserved” La Liga title on Saturday, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti, having already defeated Cadiz 3-0 in an earlier fixture.
After last season’s champions faltered against Girona, Ancelotti’s team completed their homework by defeating Cadiz, and Los Blancos were crowned champions for a record-tying 36th time.
In just their fourth season in Spain’s top division, Girona’s thrilling victory saw the Catalan minnows advance to the Champions League for the first time in their history.
Prior to the second leg of the Champions League semi-final matchup with Bayern, Ancelotti made a lot of rotations, but his players were still successful.
Brahim Diaz netted in the 51st minute to put Madrid ahead and then set up Jude Bellingham, with Joselu tapping home a third.
“We’ve had a spectacular Liga campaign,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“We’ve made few errors and the advantage is deserved.”
With just 12 games remaining, Madrid’s convincing victory over Cadiz moved them 14 points clear of third-place Barcelona, the winners of the previous campaign.
Girona is now 13 points behind Madrid following their second 4-2 victory over Barcelona this season.
“We leave our skins out there on the pitch to live moments like today’s,” Madrid striker Joselu told Real Madrid TV.
“There are young players who are very hungry for titles, veterans who are delighted to be here… and these are special moments.”
Ancelotti only chose captain Nacho Fernandez from the starting lineup that resulted in a 2-2 draw in Bavaria this week, keeping in mind the Bayern second leg.
Thibaut Courtois, a Belgian goalkeeper who had been sidelined for nine months due to a knee injury, made his debut and maintained a clean sheet.
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The visitors, who are currently 18th and fighting for promotion, had the better of the first half, but Madrid scored twice in the second.
Early in the second half, Courtois made an incredible save to keep Chris Ramos at bay, and Madrid quickly took the lead.
After receiving a pass from the evergreen Modric on the boundary, Diaz skillfully spun and curled a shot into the upper corner.
Bellingham, who entered the game as a substitute for Turkish teenager Arda Guler, quickly added the second goal following a brilliant team move.
With his 18th league goal of the year, the England international is still in the running to be the top scorer.
Madrid added the icing to their cake following an incredible run by Nacho.
The Spaniard, who was expected to leave at the end of the season, was praised by the Bernabeu after he set up Joselu for an easy finish during stoppage time.
Girona defeated Barcelona in a thrilling match by coming from behind twice, and Los Blancos were able to celebrate.
Three minutes had passed when Andreas Christensen gave the Catalans the lead, but a minute later, La Liga’s top scorer Artem Dovbyk tied the score with his 20th goal of the season.
After Lamine Yamal was brought down, Robert Lewandowski scored a penalty to put Barcelona ahead, but Portu, a second-half substitute, had a significant impact for Girona.
The game was turned around by Michel Sanchez’s team, who scored two goals in the space of two minutes. Shortly after entering the game, Portu equalized and then assisted Miguel Gutierrez to put Girona ahead.
Girona’s tiny Montilivi stadium caught fire as Portu sensationally volleyed home the fourth goal, starting the party.
“It’s a shame, we sink with any negative situation,” said Barcelona coach Xavi after Barcelona lost their crown.
“Like this, it’s impossible to compete.”
AFP
