Real Madrid conquers its 36th national title after defeating Barcelona in Girona

NOS Football•today, 6:24 PM

Real Madrid became national champions of Spain for the 36th time on Saturday evening. The Madrilenians won 3-0 against Cádiz earlier in the day and losing a point to FC Barcelona was enough to officially become champions. That happened: Barcelona lost 4-2 to Girona. Coach Xavi’s team still led 1-2 at halftime.

The gap between Real Madrid and Barcelona is now fifteen points with four matches to play, so ‘De Koninklijke’ can no longer be traced.

Just like last week, Real coach Carlo Ancelotti allowed himself to rest a number of star players with a view to the Champions League. The return in the semi-final against Bayern Munich awaits next Wednesday. The first leg was drawn 2-2.

The stars who did play made themselves felt. Luka Modric was at the heart of the 1-0 with an assist to Brahim Diaz, although it must be said that he sent the ball phenomenally into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Later it was Jude Bellingham, the England international who was signed for more than a hundred million euros last summer, who doubled the score. He came on as a substitute and was able to convert a low cross into a goal within two minutes of coming on.

The final piece belonged to striker Joselu, who made it 3-0 just before the end.

The Catalan derby between Girona and Barcelona got off to a fiery start. Within four minutes it was 1-1 after goals from Andreas Christensen and La Liga top scorer Artem Dovbyk, who made his twentieth of the season.

A striking penalty from Robert Lewandowski gave Barcelona a 1-2 lead, seemingly delaying a Real Madrid championship. Daley Blind’s Girona put a stop to that.

In the second half, Girona completely turned it around in the space of nine minutes. From the 65th to the 74th minute they scored three times, partly thanks to a shooting defense from Barcelona.

Thus, a sunny Saturday in Catalonia ended extraordinarily darkly for Barcelona. Not only did it make arch-rival Real Madrid champions by losing, but it also lost second place in the rankings. This is taken over by Girona, which now has one point more than its neighbor.