Real Madrid: Campeones de La Liga

What a spectacular night it was in Bilbao.  Real Madrid clinched its 32^nd title in La Liga, with a 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.  It certainly was a huge night as los Blancos were unbeaten in their last 20 – that's right, 20 – league matches, having come out on top against Bilbao in 14 of their previous 15 meetings in all competitions.  While history favored Madrid, I chose to save all celebrations until the final whistle to spare myself the emotional wreck in ever the case the men lost.  There was no telling what Bilbao could pull.  Alas, history repeated itself with Real Madrid coming out on top of both the match and league.  Party in Cibeles later, yes?

Los Blancos dominated the game early on with Gonzalo "Pipita" Higuaín nearly scoring seconds after the whistle.  But don't you worry, Pipita.  You'll have your chance of goal again.  That time came at the 16' minute mark.  Khedira broke forward and played the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo, who I, in all honesty, thought would draw first blood.  However, the Portuguese man passed it to Mesut Özil, who provided the assist.  Pipita then took aim and scored the title-winning goal with a right-footed shot from outside the box to the top right corner.  ¡Muchas gracias por todo!

Özil would double the lead minutes later at the 20'.  Midfielder Xabi Alonso passed to Cristiano, who then crossed it over to the German international, who tapped it in at the back post.  It certainly was a play to watch and one to certainly rewatch.  A perfect play from Mourinho's men.  Los Blancos entered descanso with a two-point lead over their opponents.

Having been involved with Madrid's two goals in the first half, Cristiano wanted an in on the goal party.  He would have his chance at the 50' mark, upping RM's tally.  Pipita had a beautiful run and could have easily scored a minute earlier, but his shot was blocked.  The Argentine won a corner for his side.  Xabi Alonso took the corner, crossing the ball right in the area, with Cristiano heading it in to the bottom right corner.

Neither side managed to score for the remainder of the half, even with three minutes of added time, time moving at a glacial pace for Madridistas everywhere.  Celebrate – we wanted to celebrate.  Then there it was – the sound of final whistle. Cheers from the Madridistas who had traveled to San Mamés engulfed the atmosphere.  In spite the fact two matches remain, Real Madrid won the title.  Barcelona had been dethroned.  It was, no, it is Real Madrid's time... as it is José Mourinho's.  The Portuguese manager became the first manager ever to win domestic titles in four different countries.  No wonder they call him the Special One.

The men play their next match this weekend against Granada at the Nuevo Los Carmenes, with Clos Gómez as the referee.  Sure I have a problem with Gómez, questioning his judgment time-to-time, but I'm calm for once.  Real Madrid already won the title.  What can he do?  Until then, my friends, ¡Hala Madrid!  ¡Somos campeones!

written by Gail Hidalgo