Well, we knew it was coming, and in the end, Barcelona have done it with 3 games to spare. They are once again champions of Spain, retaining their title, making it 8 out of the last 11 that they've won and their 26th crown overall. Lionel Messi, who else, scored the only goal in their 1-0 win over Levante, meaning that Barça could celebrate their triumph in front of their own fans. Atlético Madrid also won 1-0 at home to Real Valladolid, so the gap is 9 points with 3 games to go, but because Barcelona's head-to-head record is better between themselves and Atleti, it means that they are deserved champions.
Real Madrid surprisingly (or maybe not) went down at Rayo by the same scoreline, giving the side from Vallecas the slightest glimmer of hope that they might stay up, but there were also points for the teams around them. Huesca and Villarreal drew, and so did Celta Vigo, but Girona went one better and won.
That result was significant in the race for 4th place, as Sevilla were the team on the wrong end of that result. Not that they were made to pay, because Getafe above them and Valencia below them also lost - to Real Sociedad and Eibar respectively. Very, very odd. So it's as you were in that battle for the final Champions League spot, and 7th-placed Athletic and Alavés in 8th also drew.
Real Betis versus Espanyol is the meh-looking mid-table Monday night game, with both teams safe but neither really able to threaten the European spots.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, we are @LaLigaLowdown - don't forget the European semi-finals kick-off this week, with Barcelona at home to Liverpool on Wednesday and Valencia away to Arsenal on Thursday. And feel free to leave a nice comment or a 5-star review about the pod, we always really appreciate it.
Enjoy!
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BARCELONA ARE CHAMPIONS! Full analysis and reaction on Barça's title triumph, plus a Matchday 35 recap.