In a rollercoaster performance, Atletico Madrid beat Valladolid 2-1 to clinch the La Liga Spanish championship. This is their first league win in over seven years. The title race had extended to the final day of the season, with Atletico just two points ahead of their rivals Real Madrid. If Atletico won their game on the last day, the title was theirs; if they did not, Real could pull clear with a victory on their end.
The game was topsy-turvy from the start. Valladolid took a lead in the 20th minute with an Oscar Plano finisher. Atletico drew level with a beautiful piece of work from Angel Correa, and took the lead with clinical finishing from Luis Suarez close to the 70th minute.
There is subtext to this victory. Suarez had joined Atletico last year after being forced out by Barcelona, which is languishing in third spot. He had then said that "he was treated very badly" by his former club. "Atletico have had an incredible season despite all the difficulties we’ve had. We’ve been the most consistent team and we are champions," said Suarez after the match.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone said: "To stay top of the league for so long is an enormous achievement. I am so grateful to the players, especially those who played less, as we had to stay united behind the same objective as a team, and we did that throughout."
