May 24 – A second-half winner from Luis Suarez secured Atletico Madrid’s first La Liga title in seven years as Diego Simeone’s team finished two points above cross-town rivals Real Madrid.
Just as they had done in last week’s comeback win over Osasuna, Atletico fell behind but hit back to beat Valladolid 2-1, the same scoreline by which Real beat Villarreal 2-1 – not enough to wrest the title from Simeone’s men.
The game was played behind closed doors like all matches this season although several hundred supporters went wild outside after the final whistle as the La Liga title headed to the red and white side of the Spanish capital.
“The world is going through a different phase right now so if we can give some joy to people it means so much to us,” said Simeone after his team clinched the title for the 11thtime but the first since 2014.
Atletico, who led the league for most of the season, won their second league crown under Simeone at a time when traditional big two Real and Barcelona, second and third respectively, are in financial crisis.
“Thirty-two players I think have been involved, every one as important as the other. I am extremely grateful,” added Simeone.
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