Source: CCTV.com

06-18-2007 10:33

Real Madrid are Spanish league champions after coming from behind to defeat Real Mallorca in the final round of matches in the Spanish Primera Liga on Sunday. While Barcelona thrashed Gimnastic 5-1 on Sunday, but their night still ended in heartbreak as the title went to Real because of their better head-to-head record.

Real Madrid lift Spanish title with late comeback

It was meant to be a night of celebration - the climax to their best season in years. Instead, Real Madrid's last league fixture of the season started awfully. Fernando Valera put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute.

The hosts lost Ruud van Nistelrooy - the league's top scorer - through injury. And David Beckham's playing career at Real was to last - he was replaced in the 66th minute by Jose Antonio Reyes. A masterstroke, as it transpired. Within two minutes, the on-loan striker had levelled the scores.

And Real went ahead with just over ten minutes remaining through Mahamadou Diarra. Reyes secured the three points - and started the party - with a blistering second, in the 83rd minute.

Spanish champions for the 30th time in their illustrious history, this was Real's first success since 2003. A glorious day for the club - and a fine swansong for the departing superstars, Beckham and Roberto Carlos.

Barca seal big win 5-1, but still miss the title

Real's arch-rivals Barcelona thrashed Gimnastic 5-1, and they finished level on points with Real at the top of La Liga, but the title went to Real because of their better head-to-head record.

Editor:Liu Fang