Picture Credit: Twitter
Real Madrid maintained a dominating performance against Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday to lift the record-extending 35th La Liga title on Saturday. Rodrygo starred in a high-stake game as he scored twice in the span of ten minutes to steer Los Blancos into a position of comfort. Earlier, Carlo Ancelotti posted to rest a few key players eying semi-final clash against Manchester City in three days' time in the Champions League.
Despite the wholesale changes, the La Liga giants still boasted enough experience in their line-up, with all of Luka Modric, Thibaut Courtois and Marcelo starting. The opening goal came in the 33rd minute when Rodrygo produced a neat exchange with Marcelo before slotting the ball into the far corner. Espanyol was handed another blow in the 43rd minute after Mariano Diaz pressed to win the ball back. Post receiving the ball from Diaz, Rodrygo wrong-footed Espanyol custodian Diego Lopez with a brilliant finish. The hosts continued their dominating performance in the second half as they extended their advantage in the 55th minute.
Asensio tucked the ball away into the back of the net after receiving an excellent pass from Eduardo Camavinga following a quick counter-attack. Isco also found the back of the net, but Rodrygo, who was in an offside position, was adjudged to have interfered with play in the build-up, and the goal was chalked out. However, Real Madrid added their fourth goal in the 81st minute, courtesy of Benzema, who combined with fellow substitute Vinicius.
The win also made their Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti the first manager to capture titles in each of Europe's top five leagues England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France. Marcelo is now Real's most successful player with 24 trophies. "We have won as early as possible, and that is everyone's job to be celebrated. Today we have to celebrate, but we have an important game ahead. There is nothing to worry about if we do it right," Marcelo added post-match.
Following a convincing win to lift the record 35th title, fans were quick to express their joy on social media accounts.
Check out how fans reacted: