Real Madrid became Spanish champions for the 36th time after a 3-0 win over Cadiz combined with Girona’s 4-2 victory over Barcelona to secure the La Liga title with four rounds remaining.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men gave themselves the best possible chance of securing their latest silverware on Saturday with a second-half display of strength to see off their struggling visitors.
Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham and Joselu all scored as Real’s starting XI was changed with next week’s UEFA Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich in mind.
Thibaut Courtois returned to goal after a long absence due to injury and the Belgium international kept a clean sheet in his big comeback and can now celebrate with a new trophy.
There was no immediate celebration at the Santiago Bernabeu, however, as Real needed Barca’s failure to win at City Football Group-backed Girona to officially confirm their latest La Liga triumph.
For a while it looked like this wouldn’t happen as Xavi’s side took the lead twice in the first half as Andreas Christensen and Artem Dovbyk exchanged goals inside four minutes in Montilivi.
Robert Lewandowski’s penalty just before half-time gave the Blaugrana a 2-1 lead at Montilivi, which seemed to be enough until a late Girona display against their Catalan rivals.
Portu’s double and a Miguel Gutierrez goal in the final 25 minutes not only secured a famous comeback victory for Michel’s heroic side, but also their historic Champions League qualification.
Athletic Club’s victory on Friday night meant Girona had to do it themselves here and a 4-2 victory is about as spectacular as it gets when it comes to sealing your first ever continental football adventure.
Real takes back the Spanish crown from Barça, who have seen a promising end to this season ebb away in recent weeks after heartbreak in the UCL against Paris Saint-Germain and the misery of El Clasico.
