Real Madrid sealed their 34 La Liga title following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Villarreal on Thursday.
The Blancos trailed Barcelona at some point in the season, but took advantage of their rivals’ inconsistency to win the title.
Of course, the courage and tactical nous of Zinedine Zidane played a huge role as well and the Frenchman deserves all the praise.
As Madrid were beating Villarreal, the job was made even easier by Barcelona’s disappointing 2-1 loss to Osasuna.
“The Champions League is the Champions League, but La Liga makes me happier because La Liga is what it’s all about,” Zidane said after leading the Merengue to a second La Liga title.
“This is a tremendous feeling because what these players have done is incredible. I am lost for words because I am too emotional.”
Indeed, the 48-year-old, his players and staff are deserving of this achievement and the future can only be bright.
Below are four reasons why Real Madrid won La Liga:
1. Zidane’s defensive masterclass
When Zinedine Zidane returned to the Santiago Bernabeu, there were lingering questions as to whether he will be able to replicate his success.
Those questions have been answered this season, as he made Real Madrid one of the best defensive sides in Europe.
The Blancos have conceded just 23 goals in 37 league games and that one of the key reasons why they have finished above Barcelona.
2. Inconsistency of Barcelona
Barcelona definitely have deeper problems and not even the frequent changing of coaches has helped save the situation.
For this season, though, their biggest undoing was inconsistency, especially after the restart.
The Catalans are over-reliant on Lionel Messi, but the Argentine cannot do it all by himself for 38 games. The likes of Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele have failed to help the team, leaving Barca vulnerable and blunt whenever Messi is out of form.
3. Impressive form of Benzema
There are some who believe Karim Benzema deserved to be named best player in La Liga this season. That is not far-fetched at all.
He may not be leading of the top scorers chart, but the French striker has lead by example and has been Madrid’s focal point of attack.
With 21 goals and eight assists, Benzema’s importance to the club’s title charge cannot be overstated.
4. Shared goal scoring burden
While Benzema’s goals undoubtedly propelled Madrid to the La Liga title, the club had many other scorers.
In fact, the league goals scored by Madrid came from 21 different players, a record in the Spanish topflight.
The fact that the club had goals spread across all the pitch made by unpredictable to opponents. Benzema, Ramos, Kroos, Militao, Casemiro – everyone could score and they did.
