Real Madrid were crowned Spanish champions for the first time in four years after a 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao.
Real Madrid take title for first time in four years
Real Madrid were crowned Spanish champions for the first time in four years after a 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao.
Madrid, who have now won the title 32 times, were too good for Europa League finalists Bilbao at the San Mames.
Leading light Cristiano Ronaldo should have put them ahead on 12-minutes but he spurned his chance from the penalty spot.
But the visitors did not have long to wait as just moments later Gonzalo Higuain scored and the lead was double shortly after with Mesut Ozil firing in from close range.
Ronaldo then completed the scoring just after the break to seal the win and give Real the points needed to take the title.
Barcelona's 4-1 win over
Malaga at the Camp Nou had been the reason Real needed to win in Bilbao.
Barca were again led home by Lionel Messi, who claimed his seventh hat-trick of the season, taking his season tally to a monumental 68 - a new European record as he breaks the previous record of 67 set by former Bayern Munich striker Gerd Muller in 1973.
Barca captain Carles Puyol volleyed the champions ahead after 13-minutes, but Salomon Rondon levelled with a header on the half-hour.
Messi then took control claiming a hat-trick to send Barca to victory.
Valencia moved three points clear of Malga in third after a 4-0 win over
Osasuna.
The result, was somewhat flattering for the home side as all the goals arrived in the final 13-minutes with Aritz Aduriz and Jonas both helping themselves to a brace.
Real Sociedad claimed a last gasp 1-1 at
Atletico Madrid.
Gabi gave Atletico the lead just after the break, but he then turned villain when he was sent off on 73-minutes.
Atletico looked like they had held on but Arsenal loanee Carlos Vela struck in injury time.
Real Zaragoza have moved to within three points of safety after a crucial 1-0 win over
Levante.
The only goal of the game at La Romareda arrived after 11-minutes with Eduardo Oriol Garcia scoring.
Zaragorza are now within touching distance of
Rayo Vallecano after they went down 1-0 at
Real Mallorca thanks to a strike from Gonzalo Castro.
Sevilla and
Real Betis are glued together in mid-table after the latter claimed a 2-1 win in the derby clash at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Alvaro Negredo fired Sevilla ahead after just five-minutes, but two goals from Benat Etxebarria - coming at the end of each half - gave local bragging rights to Betis.
