Real Madrid take their 36th La Liga title home

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
5 May 2024 00:03

Barcelona's unfortunate loss against Girona makes Real Madrid the only contender for the La Liga title.

Real Madrid supporters celebrate in Cibeles Square in Madrid after their team clinched the La Liga title, Saturday, May 4, 2024 (AP)

Real Madrid has now won the 2024 La Liga title, after FC Barcelona's Saturday loss against Girona.

The Spanish League winner title walked a thin line between local rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona, after the former's 3-0 win against Cadiz on Saturday, but still treaded risky waters if Barcelona was able to catch a win against Girona. However, that battle ended with a 4-2 win for the latter.

As the team sits at the top of the table, leading with an 87-pointer, 13 points ahead of Girona, and 14 ahead of Barcelona, with only four games left in the championship, there remains no way for either team to overtake Real Madrid, making them the winners of La Liga for the 36th time in their club history.

With that being settled, Real Madrid prepares to face Bayern Munich on Wednesday for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final game, following a 2-2 tie during the first.

"It's obviously a contained joy because the most important game of the season (Bayern) is also very close, but we have to be happy," Carlo Ancelotti, the team's manager, said, commenting on the La Liga win.

The media give it to Ancelotti

Spanish media gave Ancelotti's tactical maneuvers credit for the team's big win. Real Madrid had suffered considerable losses and injuries throughout the season. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defenders Eder Militao and David Alaba sustained major knee injuries early into the season, while Karim Benzema joined the Saudi League.

This forced Ancelotti to make significant changes by positioning midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as a center-back to support Antonio Ruediger, while unconventionally employing Jude Bellingham as an attacking midfielder with the freedom to play forward when Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo needed backing.

It is worth noting that Bellingham, Real Madrid's star signing, scored 15 goals in his first 16 games with the Spanish team. 41 out of 74 of the team's goals were a joint contribution of Bellingham, Vinicius, and Rodrygo's efforts.

Moreover, Ruediger's defensive capabilities made the team's win possible. Real Madrid conceded a total of 22 goals in 34 games, compared to Athletic Bilbao, the second team with the least conceded goals, which had 33 scored against them.

"A big part (of Real's success) was achieved when we started to defend better, with a collective commitment," Ancelotti said, adding "The effort put by the players up front was great, but the injuries early in the season helped us to realize that it wasn't about individuals but putting on a collective effort, and we did great."