For the first time since 2014, Atletico Madrid was crowned champion after a dramatic final day of the La Liga season.
In order to outperform city rivals Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid won 2-1 away at Real Valladolid, while Real Madrid won 2-1 at home against Europa League finalists Villarreal.
Diego Simeone’s side had a difficult start, conceding early to Valladolid. Real, on the other hand, conceded a shock goal to Villarreal’s Yeremi Pino almost simultaneously.
Angel Correa drew Atletico level in the second half, while Real thought it had equalized through Karim Benzema’s header — the goal was eventually ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee.
Atletico Madrid’s Luis Suarez took advantage of some sloppy build-up play to seal the win and ensure the red and white side of the Spanish capital would take home the La Liga title.
“The world is going through a different phase right now so if we can give some joy to people it means so much to us,” Atletico manager Simeone said afterwards.
“Thirty-two players I think have been involved, every one as important as the other. I’m grateful beyond words.”
Atletico knew it would win the title for the first time in seven years if it started two days ahead of city rival Real.
And it would’ve been quietly confident heading to Real Valladolid, a team in its own relegation battle.
After 18 minutes, however, it was pinned back by a quick counterattack, which was capped off by scar Plano sprinting from the halfway line and sliding past Jan Oblak in goal.
Almost at the same time, Real was losing ground after some sloppy defending allowed Pino to score.
Real thought it had taken the lead early in the second half after talisman striker Karim Benzema leveled the score with Villarreal.
After 18 minutes, however, it was pinned back by a quick counterattack, which was capped off by scar Plano sprinting from the halfway line and sliding past Jan Oblak in goal.
Almost at the same time, Real was losing ground after some sloppy defending allowed Pino to score.
Real thought it had taken the lead early in the second half after talisman striker Karim Benzema leveled the score with Villarreal.
The France international, on the other hand, was adjudged to have leaned offside from the deep cross, leaving Real trailing.
Meanwhile, Atletico drew level thanks to Correa’s stabbed effort, which elicited jubilant celebrations from the players and coaches.
Atletico’s nerves were high, knowing that two Real goals would swing the title in its favor.
But those fears were allayed when Suarez, who joined Atletico from Barcelona in the summer, ran through to put the team ahead.
The Atletico players could finally celebrate their first title victory since 2014 after playing out the final 20 minutes, during which Benzema actually drew Real level before Luka Modric scored a late winner.
It’s the club’s 11th championship win overall.
