Monday, 18 May 2015

Spain: Barcelona crowned La Liga Champions

Barcelona have been crowned champions of La Liga after beating Atletico Madrid 1-0 at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday.

Diego Simeone's side claimed the title with a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou on the final day of last season, but Lionel Messi's second-half goal saw Barca gain revenge this time around by winning the Primera Division at the Calderon.

Luis Enrique's men took a four-point lead over fierce rivals Real Madrid into the 37th round of matches and their victory in the capital means they have won La Liga with one game to spare.

Champions in five of the last seven seasons including this one, the Catalans now have 23 Primera Division titles and this trophy is the first for coach Luis Enrique.

But there is likely to be more to come as the Blaugrana meet Athletic Club at Camp Nou in the final of the Copa del Rey on May 30 and are also in action against Juventus in the Champions League showpiece on June 6.

While Barca triumphed in Madrid, Real were winners in the Catalan capital as they beat Barca's local rivals Espanyol 4-1, but their win counted for little and los Blancos have now won La Liga only once in the last seven seasons.