Madrid crowned champions at San Mamés

Real Madrid CF put the seal on the club's 32nd Liga title with a 3-0 win against UEFA Europa League finalists Athletic Club, after Lionel Messi had scored another hat-trick for FC Barcelona.



Real Madrid CF are celebrating winning their first Liga title in four years after a 3-0 victory at UEFA Europa League finalists Athletic Club.

The Merengues kicked off at San Mamés knowing they only had to match FC Barcelona's result, a 4-1 defeat of Málaga CF, earlier in the evening to end their rivals' recent domestic dominance and put the seal on the club's 32nd championship success.

Though Cristiano Ronaldo had an early penalty saved by Gorka Iraizoz – ending his run of 25 successive spot kicks, excluding those in shoot-outs, dating back to December 2009 – Madrid were in front when Gonzalo Higuaín (16) curled in a shot from the edge of the area.

Mesut Özil (20) swiftly doubled the advantage, turning in Ronaldo's low ball to the far post, while the Portugal striker completed the scoring five minutes into the second half with his 44th league goal of the campaign, two fewer than Lionel Messi.

The Argentinian international registered his ninth hat-trick of the season, and second against Málaga, in all competitions for Barcelona after Carles Puyol had given the Blaugrana the lead.

<p>Elsewhere, Club Atlético de Madrid, Athletic's opponents in the UEFA Europa League final, drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad de Fútbol and Valencia CF strengthened their grip on third place following a 4-0 home win against CA Osasuna.