Atletico Madrid have secured the football championship title in Spain for the eleventh time. Coach Diego Simeone’s team celebrated a 2-1 win at Real Valladolid on the final day of the match. After the lead by Oscar Plano (18th), Angel Correa (57th) and Luis Suarez (67th) turned the game on Saturday. Persecutors Real Madrid also won, with a 2-1 win at home against Villarreal. Atletico’s lead is two points in the end.
Real had to hope for a defeat or a draw with their city rivals. If the points were equal, the direct encounters (2: 0 and 1: 1) would have spoken for the “White Ballet”. But Real, on the other hand, ran after the Europa League finalists Villarreal until shortly before the end of the 0: 1, before “Les Bleus” returnees Karim Benzema (87th) and Luka Modric (92nd) secured their home success late.
Third in the league, FC Barcelona, won 1-0 at the last Eibar with a goal from Antoine Griezmann (81st). In addition to numerous injuries – including goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen – the Catalans also missed superstar Lionel Messi, who was released early by coach Ronald Koeman.
The modest consolation prize: Third place is fixed, regardless of the outcome of the match between Sevilla FC and Alaves on Sunday. The Andalusians will finish the season in fourth place and, like the top three, will play in the Champions League group stage in autumn. The three relegated teams in the season are Eibar, Valladolid and Huesca.
First championship since 2014
Atletico’s last triumph was in the 2013/14 season, when the master coach was already called Simeone. From the ninth round onwards, the “Colchoneros” (mattress makers) were at the top of the La Liga, at times with a large lead. In the spring, however, the top group moved closer together, with rivals Real and Barca failing in crucial games.
Incidentally, there is currently unrest again at both major clubs. There is speculation about the departure of Real coach Zinedine Zidane, at Barca the Dutchman Koeman is numbered. Numerous players could also be about to say goodbye, at Barcelona especially Messi. New professionals – like Real David Alaba – should come for it.
