Real Madrid clinched their 36th LaLiga title on Saturday, establishing a new record after Girona’s 4-2 victory over local rivals Barcelona confirmed their unassailable lead in the standings under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti.
With just four games remaining, Real Madrid surged to 87 points at the top of the table, securing a comfortable lead after their second-string squad secured a 3-0 win against Cadiz, who are battling relegation. This placed them 13 points ahead of Girona in second place and 14 points clear of third-placed Barcelona.
Barcelona, the only remaining contenders to thwart Real Madrid’s title aspirations, saw their slim hopes dashed as they suffered their second league defeat in three matches against Girona.
Real Madrid can now focus on their pursuit of a LaLiga-Champions League double as they prepare to host Bayern Munich in the semi-final return leg, following a 2-2 draw in Germany last week.
Ancelotti expressed his joy at the title win, acknowledging the upcoming crucial fixture against Bayern Munich but emphasising the team’s deserved celebration. Despite facing challenges throughout the season, such as injuries to key players like Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and David Alaba, as well as the departure of Karim Benzema, Ancelotti’s tactical acumen and the team’s collective effort propelled Real Madrid to success.
The tactical adjustments made by Ancelotti, including deploying midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as a center-back and shifting Jude Bellingham to an attacking midfield role, proved instrumental. Bellingham’s impressive goal-scoring record, along with contributions from Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, bolstered Real Madrid’s attacking strength.
Moreover, the defensive solidity led by Antonio Ruediger, who enjoyed a standout season, contributed significantly to Real Madrid’s success, conceding only 22 goals in 34 league games.
Ancelotti’s ability to instill a collective ethos and adapt to challenges shows his stature as one of the most successful coaches in football history. His achievement of winning titles in Europe’s top five leagues further solidifies his legacy.