REAL Madrid managed a composed win at Malaga to be crowned champions of La Liga for the 2016/17 season.
Real Madrid went into the match knowing that a draw would prove sufficient to lift La Liga title five years later. La Rosaleda had seen Barcelona struggle, to the point that Luis Enrique’s team dropped three vital points in their 2-0 defeat.
However, Zidane’s men got off to a flying start with Isco slipping the ball through to Ronaldo, who simply rounded Kameni to score his 40th goal of the season, and a crucial goal for Real’s title aspirations.
Yet another goal in their impressive goalscoring run means that for the first time Real Madrid have scored in each and every one of their 38 league games.
But, despite the slow start from the hosts, they bravely fought back to put Real Madrid under pressure. And it was main man Sandro Ramirez who tested Keylor Navas first with a break down the left and a low shot into the near post.
Zidane’s team seemed to have taken a step back after the great start, but Benzema was granted a fantastic chance to double their lead. Marcelo’s cross from the left found the striker at the back post and, after one touch, he fired towards goal only for the ball to be deflected for a corner kick.
Keylor Navas once again was called into action to maintain Real’s advantage, and once again it was Sandro. The former Barcelona man aimed a curling free kick straight for the top corner, but the keeper got a strong hand to palm it away before colliding with the upright.
The fixture was opening up, and it was the visitors’ turn next to have a go. Kameni pulled off a wonder save to deny Ronaldo who had fired having cut onto his left foot inside the six-yard box.
Malaga did not step down, but Real Madrid managed to hold off till the break fairly comfortably. After the break, the home side pushed forward for a goal, but it was Madrid who found the back of the net once again.
Kroos swung in a corner kick for Ramos to volley, Kameni saved the initial shot and the rebound came off Varane and into the path of Benzema. The French striker made no mistake to tap in from close range, putting the match out of reach for Malaga, and edging his side closer to the league title.
Navas emerged as an unlikely hero, pulling off brilliant saves to keep a clean sheet at La Rosaleda despite multiple chances for the home side to pull one goal back and cause worry for Zidane’s men.
As the referee blew the final whistle, the crowd erupted in celebration, as the Madrid players raced onto the pitch to rejoice in a much sought-after La Liga title, number 33 for the ‘Blancos’.
SOURCE: BESOCCER
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