Atletico Madrid are Spain’s new soccer champions in 2021

AFor the first time in seven years, tlético Madrid secured the Spanish football championship in a long-distance duel with record champions Real Madrid. Coach Diego Simeone’s team won 2-1 (0-1) at relegated Real Valladolid thanks to Luis Suárez’s winning goal on Saturday, claiming first place in the Primera División on the last day of the match. For Real, a 2-1 (0-1) home win against Europa League finalist Villarreal was no longer enough to successfully defend their title.

Los Blancos would have needed a slip by Atlético if they were two points behind. In the event of a tie, the direct comparison would have decided in favor of Real (2: 0/1: 1). Real had to do without 2014 world champion Toni Kroos at the end of the season. The midfield star was absent because of his corona infection. But the last ailing captain Sergio Ramos returned to the squad, but was only on the bench until the end.

For both title contenders their games started with a shock. Atlético fell behind in the 18th minute after a counter goal by Oscar Plano in Valladolid. City rivals Real also had to accept the 0: 1 shortly afterwards, while Yeremi Pino scored for Villarreal in the 20th minute. The ongoing speculation about a departure from coach Zinedine Zidane had already caused unrest at Real. The Frenchman had denied that he should have informed his players about his departure after this season.

Shortly after the break, there were more neck blows for Real. First a header by Karim Benzema was denied due to an offside position, then Atlético equalized in the parallel game thanks to Ángel Correa (57.). When top striker Suarez scored 2-1 for the leaders ten minutes later, Real’s chances dwindled to a minimum. Benzema (87th) and Luka Modric (90th + 2) at least secured home success, but that was no longer enough for the title.

Behind the two top clubs from Madrid, FC Barcelona and FC Sevilla have already been confirmed as further Champions League starters. At Barça, the future of coach Ronald Koeman is open after missing the season’s goals, superstar Lionel Messi could also leave the club. The 33-year-old was allowed to say goodbye early on vacation and missed the final 1-0 win in Eibar, as did goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who underwent knee surgery.