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Barcelona 1-1 Atletico Madrid: Godin stuns Camp Nou to seal La Liga title glory
Diego Godin's second half header saw Atletico Madrid stun Camp Nou and lift La Liga for the first time since 1996 following their 1-1 draw with Barcelona.
Injuries to Diego Costa (hamstring) and Arda Turan (pelvis) inside the first 25 minutes looked to have damaged Atletico's hopes and Alexis Sanchez's stunning 34th-minute goal gave Barcelona all the momentum.
But sloppy marking from a corner would ultimately cost the hosts, who allowed Godin to steal in unmarked and head in the all-important equaliser four minutes into the second half.
Lionel Messi had a goal ruled out for offside as the hosts sought a response, but they were ultimately denied by the visitors' typically stubborn defence, as Atleti clinched the title by three points.The title is Atletico's 10th in the Spanish top flight and ensures they finish the season unbeaten in all six matches they have played against Barcelona.
And, although Costa and Turan's injuries will reduce their chances of winning next week's Champions League final against bitter rivals Real Madrid, Atletico will first be celebrating the end to their 18-year Liga drought.Simeone's men led the league by as much as six points in April but stuttered in the run-in, only to produce when it counted in Barcelona, who may have played their last match for under-pressure coach Gerardo Martino.
Passed fit to play despite pre-match doubts, Costa started alongside ex-Barcelona forward David Villa, while the hosts - who surprisingly left out Xavi - recalled Gerard Pique after he recovered from a hip injury sustained against the same opponents last month.
Any suggestions that Atletico would play for a draw were quashed in the early stages, as Miranda nodded a free-kick wide before Juanfran's dangerous ball into the penalty area had to be cleared by Pique.But disaster struck for the visitors in the 14th minute as Costa pulled up clutching his hamstring and was forced off.
The striker, who has scored 36 goals in 51 appearances this season, could not control his emotions as he broke down in tears on the bench. He would be joined by Turan nine minutes later when he failed to recover from a pelvic injury sustained in a collision with Cesc Fabregas.Atletico's double-blow gave Barcelona a boost and after a cagey start they began to create chances as Alexis and Pedro failed to convert headers after excellent crosses from Dani Alves on the right.
Pedro's failure to hit the target from a free header was particularly disappointing, but Alexis sent the partisan crowd wild in the 34th minute with his outstanding finish from just inside the area.
Messi chested down a lobbed Fabregas ball and Alexis pounced, thrashing a half-volley past Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and into the top-right corner from an incredibly difficult angle.Tempers frayed before half-time, with four players booked in the 10 minutes before the break and Atletico came out breathing fire once play resumed.
Villa was the first to go close, firing a left-foot volley into the post after beating Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Pinto with a quick shot on the turn.The forward was then played in, but under pressure from Alves could not get a shot off before the onrushing Pinto cleared.
Atletico did get their goal four minutes into the second half though, as the unmarked Godin made the most of Barca's flat-footed defence to score a towering header from Gabi's corner.Neymar made his first appearance in more than a month from the bench as Martino chased the game and, in the 63rd minute, Barcelona thought they had taken the lead.
Messi was the man to fire home an instinctive volley - which flew into the roof of the net from close range - only for his effort to be adjudged offside.
Alves had a fierce strike tipped over in the latter stages, but despite their late pressure, Atletico clung on and were applauded for their efforts by the Camp Nou faithful at full-time amid wild celebrations from the small contingent of away supporters.
Diego Godin's second half header saw Atletico Madrid stun Camp Nou and lift La Liga for the first time since 1996 following their 1-1 draw with Barcelona.
Injuries to Diego Costa (hamstring) and Arda Turan (pelvis) inside the first 25 minutes looked to have damaged Atletico's hopes and Alexis Sanchez's stunning 34th-minute goal gave Barcelona all the momentum.
But sloppy marking from a corner would ultimately cost the hosts, who allowed Godin to steal in unmarked and head in the all-important equaliser four minutes into the second half.
Lionel Messi had a goal ruled out for offside as the hosts sought a response, but they were ultimately denied by the visitors' typically stubborn defence, as Atleti clinched the title by three points.The title is Atletico's 10th in the Spanish top flight and ensures they finish the season unbeaten in all six matches they have played against Barcelona.
And, although Costa and Turan's injuries will reduce their chances of winning next week's Champions League final against bitter rivals Real Madrid, Atletico will first be celebrating the end to their 18-year Liga drought.Simeone's men led the league by as much as six points in April but stuttered in the run-in, only to produce when it counted in Barcelona, who may have played their last match for under-pressure coach Gerardo Martino.
Passed fit to play despite pre-match doubts, Costa started alongside ex-Barcelona forward David Villa, while the hosts - who surprisingly left out Xavi - recalled Gerard Pique after he recovered from a hip injury sustained against the same opponents last month.
Any suggestions that Atletico would play for a draw were quashed in the early stages, as Miranda nodded a free-kick wide before Juanfran's dangerous ball into the penalty area had to be cleared by Pique.But disaster struck for the visitors in the 14th minute as Costa pulled up clutching his hamstring and was forced off.
The striker, who has scored 36 goals in 51 appearances this season, could not control his emotions as he broke down in tears on the bench. He would be joined by Turan nine minutes later when he failed to recover from a pelvic injury sustained in a collision with Cesc Fabregas.Atletico's double-blow gave Barcelona a boost and after a cagey start they began to create chances as Alexis and Pedro failed to convert headers after excellent crosses from Dani Alves on the right.
Pedro's failure to hit the target from a free header was particularly disappointing, but Alexis sent the partisan crowd wild in the 34th minute with his outstanding finish from just inside the area.
Messi chested down a lobbed Fabregas ball and Alexis pounced, thrashing a half-volley past Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and into the top-right corner from an incredibly difficult angle.Tempers frayed before half-time, with four players booked in the 10 minutes before the break and Atletico came out breathing fire once play resumed.
Villa was the first to go close, firing a left-foot volley into the post after beating Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Pinto with a quick shot on the turn.The forward was then played in, but under pressure from Alves could not get a shot off before the onrushing Pinto cleared.
Atletico did get their goal four minutes into the second half though, as the unmarked Godin made the most of Barca's flat-footed defence to score a towering header from Gabi's corner.Neymar made his first appearance in more than a month from the bench as Martino chased the game and, in the 63rd minute, Barcelona thought they had taken the lead.
Messi was the man to fire home an instinctive volley - which flew into the roof of the net from close range - only for his effort to be adjudged offside.
Alves had a fierce strike tipped over in the latter stages, but despite their late pressure, Atletico clung on and were applauded for their efforts by the Camp Nou faithful at full-time amid wild celebrations from the small contingent of away supporters.
Congratulations Atletico Madrid!
LA Liga Champions 2013/14
meh season 1ke Atletico Madrid performance patta
LA Liga Champions 2013/14
meh season 1ke Atletico Madrid performance patta
Lahm limps out of DFB-Pokal final with foot injury
Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm limped out of the DFB-Pokal final after just 30 minutes with an apparent foot injury.
Lahm, who is set to captain Germany for this summer's World Cup, was involved in a couple of heavy challenges in the first half-hour of Bayern's clash with Borussia Dortmund in Berlin.
The 105-times capped full-back struggled on, before eventually making way for Franck Ribery, before receiving extensive treatment on the sidelines as Germany head coach Joachim Low watched on.
Lahm's injury comes as the latest in a series of setbacks for Low ahead of the tournament in Brazil, which begins next month.
Dortmund's Ilkay Gundogan has missed almost the entire season due to injury and will not travel to the finals, while Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger have struggled with long-term problems throughout the campaign.
Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm limped out of the DFB-Pokal final after just 30 minutes with an apparent foot injury.
Lahm, who is set to captain Germany for this summer's World Cup, was involved in a couple of heavy challenges in the first half-hour of Bayern's clash with Borussia Dortmund in Berlin.
The 105-times capped full-back struggled on, before eventually making way for Franck Ribery, before receiving extensive treatment on the sidelines as Germany head coach Joachim Low watched on.
Lahm's injury comes as the latest in a series of setbacks for Low ahead of the tournament in Brazil, which begins next month.
Dortmund's Ilkay Gundogan has missed almost the entire season due to injury and will not travel to the finals, while Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger have struggled with long-term problems throughout the campaign.
Inter confirm Tom Ince contract offer
Inter technical director Piero Ausilio has confirmed Blackpool winger Tom Ince has been offered a contract by the Serie A giants.
The highly rated youngster, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace - scoring once in eight appearances - is reportedly also a target for Premier League sides.
Ince's contract expires next month but, due to his age, a tribunal will determine the fee owed to Blackpool and Ausilio hopes the England Under-21 international will join Inter as his father, Paul Ince, did 19 years ago.
"He's a young player with an expiring contract who is weighing up several offers," Ausilio told reporters on Saturday.
"It's definitely not a done deal for Ince. It's an intriguing possibility, him coming here in his father's footsteps."
Palace manager Tony Pulis has previously spoken of a desire to keep Ince on a permanent deal, while Blackpool revealed on Friday they have offered the player a new deal.
Inter technical director Piero Ausilio has confirmed Blackpool winger Tom Ince has been offered a contract by the Serie A giants.
The highly rated youngster, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace - scoring once in eight appearances - is reportedly also a target for Premier League sides.
Ince's contract expires next month but, due to his age, a tribunal will determine the fee owed to Blackpool and Ausilio hopes the England Under-21 international will join Inter as his father, Paul Ince, did 19 years ago.
"He's a young player with an expiring contract who is weighing up several offers," Ausilio told reporters on Saturday.
"It's definitely not a done deal for Ince. It's an intriguing possibility, him coming here in his father's footsteps."
Palace manager Tony Pulis has previously spoken of a desire to keep Ince on a permanent deal, while Blackpool revealed on Friday they have offered the player a new deal.
Rummenigge: I don't know if Mandzukic wants Lewandowski competition
Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has cast further doubt on Mario Mandzukic's future by questioning whether he wants to fight Robert Lewandowski for a starting berth.
Pep Guardiola left the former Wolfsburg man out of his 18-man squad for Saturday's DFB-Pokal final date with Borussia Dortmund, allegedly for disciplinary reasons.
Bayern will sign Lewandowski from BVB in the summer and Rummenigge believes Mandzukic might not want the extra competition.
"If Mario stays here, it won't be easy for him," he told FAZ.
"Because a world-class player is coming to us. The question is whether he wants to face up to this competition or would prefer to go to another club.
"We are open and fair and we talk about everything, so nothing is decided."
Bayern have been in a war of words with Dortmund, who are unhappy that the Bavarians have signed two of their star players in consecutive years following Mario Gotze's arrival at the Allianz Arena last summer.
Rummenigee has accepted that he did not deal with the situation well but admits that BVB's approach can annoy him at times.
"When I have personally been critical of Borussia Dortmund, it's only because I did not like it when they tried to present us as a Goliath, who runs the Bundesliga like a robber baron.
"On the other hand, I should have had a bit more restraint."
Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has cast further doubt on Mario Mandzukic's future by questioning whether he wants to fight Robert Lewandowski for a starting berth.
Pep Guardiola left the former Wolfsburg man out of his 18-man squad for Saturday's DFB-Pokal final date with Borussia Dortmund, allegedly for disciplinary reasons.
Bayern will sign Lewandowski from BVB in the summer and Rummenigge believes Mandzukic might not want the extra competition.
"If Mario stays here, it won't be easy for him," he told FAZ.
"Because a world-class player is coming to us. The question is whether he wants to face up to this competition or would prefer to go to another club.
"We are open and fair and we talk about everything, so nothing is decided."
Bayern have been in a war of words with Dortmund, who are unhappy that the Bavarians have signed two of their star players in consecutive years following Mario Gotze's arrival at the Allianz Arena last summer.
Rummenigee has accepted that he did not deal with the situation well but admits that BVB's approach can annoy him at times.
"When I have personally been critical of Borussia Dortmund, it's only because I did not like it when they tried to present us as a Goliath, who runs the Bundesliga like a robber baron.
"On the other hand, I should have had a bit more restraint."
Iniesta: Barcelona have failed
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta admitted his side have failed this season after Atletico Madrid clinched the Spanish title in dramatic fashion at Camp Nou.
Diego Simeone's side sealed a 1-1 draw in a thrilling showdown on Sunday, with Diego Godin's header ensuring they finish three points clear of last season's champions in the table.
Barca led for the first 50 minutes thanks to Alexis Sanchez's stunning strike but were unable to find a winner and Iniesta believes they paid the price for failing to take their chances.
"It was a sad end. We had it until the end. We have to congratulate Atletico. They are deserving champions," he told Canal Plus.
"We have failed, as a group. We had chances until the last match, like them. Atletico have been better, and are champions. There is nothing to say."
Speculation has persisted this week over the future of coach Gerardo Martino, with Luis Enrique - widely reported as a prime candidate to take over at Camp Nou - stepping down from his post at Celta Vigo.
Iniesta, however, insists Barca cannot look for excuses after surrendering their domestic crown.
"It hasn't affected us, thinking about other things these last weeks. It's talk for talking. It hurts losing this league, nothing more," he added.
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta admitted his side have failed this season after Atletico Madrid clinched the Spanish title in dramatic fashion at Camp Nou.
Diego Simeone's side sealed a 1-1 draw in a thrilling showdown on Sunday, with Diego Godin's header ensuring they finish three points clear of last season's champions in the table.
Barca led for the first 50 minutes thanks to Alexis Sanchez's stunning strike but were unable to find a winner and Iniesta believes they paid the price for failing to take their chances.
"It was a sad end. We had it until the end. We have to congratulate Atletico. They are deserving champions," he told Canal Plus.
"We have failed, as a group. We had chances until the last match, like them. Atletico have been better, and are champions. There is nothing to say."
Speculation has persisted this week over the future of coach Gerardo Martino, with Luis Enrique - widely reported as a prime candidate to take over at Camp Nou - stepping down from his post at Celta Vigo.
Iniesta, however, insists Barca cannot look for excuses after surrendering their domestic crown.
"It hasn't affected us, thinking about other things these last weeks. It's talk for talking. It hurts losing this league, nothing more," he added.
Camp Nou today! That red circle is the allocated space for Athletico fans!
Barshitlona!
Van Gaal is 'too old' for Manchester United, claims Fowler
Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler believes Manchester United should be looking to a younger manager, such as Ryan Giggs, to replace David Moyes rather than the 62-year-old Louis van Gaal.
The Netherlands coach is expected to be handed the task of returning United to the summit of English football after Moyes' turbulent stint in charge ended just nine months after it started.
an Gaal has won league titles in Germany, Holland and Spain with clubs of the stature of Bayern Munich and Barcelona but Fowler thinks the Red Devils should be looking to the longer-term future.
"I don't know if Louis van Gaal is the right man for Man United," Fowler told talkSPORT. "He's had his time. It might sound silly but he's too old.
"You can't argue with his credentials and what he has achieved but they should have gone for a young, vibrant manager."
He added: "They should have just given the job to Ryan. It's one of the biggest jobs in football but Giggs knows the club, he knows what's expected and everything about the club.
"I'm not saying that as a Liverpool fan who thinks, 'let's get the young manager in and hope that he fails'. I want young British managers to do very well because it's good for British football as a whole.
"You don't have the career he's had at Manchester United if you're a bit of a wimp. He knows what he's doing and they should have gone down that route."
Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler believes Manchester United should be looking to a younger manager, such as Ryan Giggs, to replace David Moyes rather than the 62-year-old Louis van Gaal.
The Netherlands coach is expected to be handed the task of returning United to the summit of English football after Moyes' turbulent stint in charge ended just nine months after it started.
an Gaal has won league titles in Germany, Holland and Spain with clubs of the stature of Bayern Munich and Barcelona but Fowler thinks the Red Devils should be looking to the longer-term future.
"I don't know if Louis van Gaal is the right man for Man United," Fowler told talkSPORT. "He's had his time. It might sound silly but he's too old.
"You can't argue with his credentials and what he has achieved but they should have gone for a young, vibrant manager."
He added: "They should have just given the job to Ryan. It's one of the biggest jobs in football but Giggs knows the club, he knows what's expected and everything about the club.
"I'm not saying that as a Liverpool fan who thinks, 'let's get the young manager in and hope that he fails'. I want young British managers to do very well because it's good for British football as a whole.
"You don't have the career he's had at Manchester United if you're a bit of a wimp. He knows what he's doing and they should have gone down that route."
Old kese wethath LVG Manchester United walata match weida kiyana 1kanam kohomath prshnayak.Habai meh welawe wena ganna kenekuth naha
Simeone unath niyamaiAth Atletico Madrid walin yana 1kak naha.
Anyway kohomahari LVG appoint unoth Manchester United ayeth hoda place 1kakata gannawanam echcharai
Simeone unath niyamaiAth Atletico Madrid walin yana 1kak naha.Anyway kohomahari LVG appoint unoth Manchester United ayeth hoda place 1kakata gannawanam echcharai
Tata Martino confirms Barcelona exit
Barcelona have confirmed coach Tata Martino has left the club by mutual consent.
The Argentine only took over last summer but has failed to land a major trophy in what has turned into a year to forget for the Catalan club.
Barca’s last hope of silverware disappeared with Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Atletico Madrid. They went into the final-day contest needing a victory to land the Liga crown on a better head-to-head record than Atleti.
All appeared to be going to plan when Alexis Sanchez put them in front in the first half but Diego Godin’s towering header at the start of the second denied the hosts.
The reaction from the Blaugrana faithful at the final whistle was telling: applause for Atleti and whistles for the home players and staff.
News of Martino’s departure followed soon afterwards with the club’s official Twitter feed stating: “Martino has announced that, by mutual agreement with the club, he has ceased being the coach of FC Barcelona.”
Martino added at a press conference attended by himself and the club’s sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta: “I wanted to say that I have agreed with the club to end my time as Barcelona coach.“I was proud to coach this club. I admired the players from the outside and then the inside and will keep doing so in what will be a successful future.
“We apologise to the fans for not reaching their expectations. We did not achieve the objectives the club is used to, and has done year after year. We tried until the end but met a rival better than us.“I want to congratulate Atletico Madrid for their season. They have done very well and deserve their success.
“But above all I want to thank the group of players – to talk of their great qualities as players and as people too.”
Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador: Van Persie rescues a draw for Van Gaal's side
A fine strike from Robin van Persie secured a 1-1 draw for Netherlands in their friendly clash with Ecuador on Saturday.
The Manchester United star fired home after controlling a pass from Jordy Clasie on his chest, following Ecuador's early opener through Jefferson Montero.
Neither side was able to find a winner at the Amsterdam ArenA as both teams battled well in a bid to warm up for the World Cup next month.
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has been the subject of intense speculation linking him with the vacant manager's position at Manchester United, emerging as a clear front-runner to succeed David Moyes.
The 62-year-old coach was insistent that his focus remains solely on the Netherlands until his future is cleared up in an official capacity, but media reports claim United could confirm his appointment within the next week.
It was the home side who almost got off to a flyer, with Georginio Wijnaldum squaring across the face of goal for Memphis Depay, but the highly rated 20-year-old missed the target under pressure from Juan Carlos Paredes.
Ecuador capitalised on that let-off in the ninth minute when Joel Veltman failed to cut out Felipe Caicedo's defence-splitting pass and Montero coolly slotted past Jasper Cillessen.
The lively Wijnaldum went close to pulling the Netherlands level with 18 minutes on the clock, but his dipping half-volley flew just wide of the left-hand post.
Caicedo's World Cup hopes were cast into doubt in the 34th minute as he was forced off with an innocuous injury and things got even worse soon after as Van Persie equalised.
The United star nonchalantly brought down Clasie's long ball on the chest and smashed past the helpless Maximo Banguera eight minutes before the break.
Ecuador enjoyed an enterprising start to the second half as they appeared intent on attacking their hosts, but their chances received a blow as debutant Armando Wila – Caicedo's replacement – was carried off with a suspected thigh injury.
Netherlands should have taken the lead just after the hour mark, but Van Persie failed to connect properly with Patrick van Aanholt's low cross right in front of goal.
Van Aanholt was presented with a chance of his own in the closing stages, but the Chelsea-owned full-back's finish was tame.
Under-strength Netherlands – whose World Cup campaign starts against Spain on June 13 – were unable to force themselves in front late on and Ecuador earned a commendable draw ahead of another friendly meeting with Mexico later this month.
A fine strike from Robin van Persie secured a 1-1 draw for Netherlands in their friendly clash with Ecuador on Saturday.
The Manchester United star fired home after controlling a pass from Jordy Clasie on his chest, following Ecuador's early opener through Jefferson Montero.
Neither side was able to find a winner at the Amsterdam ArenA as both teams battled well in a bid to warm up for the World Cup next month.
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has been the subject of intense speculation linking him with the vacant manager's position at Manchester United, emerging as a clear front-runner to succeed David Moyes.
The 62-year-old coach was insistent that his focus remains solely on the Netherlands until his future is cleared up in an official capacity, but media reports claim United could confirm his appointment within the next week.
It was the home side who almost got off to a flyer, with Georginio Wijnaldum squaring across the face of goal for Memphis Depay, but the highly rated 20-year-old missed the target under pressure from Juan Carlos Paredes.
Ecuador capitalised on that let-off in the ninth minute when Joel Veltman failed to cut out Felipe Caicedo's defence-splitting pass and Montero coolly slotted past Jasper Cillessen.
The lively Wijnaldum went close to pulling the Netherlands level with 18 minutes on the clock, but his dipping half-volley flew just wide of the left-hand post.
Caicedo's World Cup hopes were cast into doubt in the 34th minute as he was forced off with an innocuous injury and things got even worse soon after as Van Persie equalised.
The United star nonchalantly brought down Clasie's long ball on the chest and smashed past the helpless Maximo Banguera eight minutes before the break.
Ecuador enjoyed an enterprising start to the second half as they appeared intent on attacking their hosts, but their chances received a blow as debutant Armando Wila – Caicedo's replacement – was carried off with a suspected thigh injury.
Netherlands should have taken the lead just after the hour mark, but Van Persie failed to connect properly with Patrick van Aanholt's low cross right in front of goal.
Van Aanholt was presented with a chance of his own in the closing stages, but the Chelsea-owned full-back's finish was tame.
Under-strength Netherlands – whose World Cup campaign starts against Spain on June 13 – were unable to force themselves in front late on and Ecuador earned a commendable draw ahead of another friendly meeting with Mexico later this month.
Real Madrid 3-1 Espanyol: Ronaldo absence takes gloss off victory
Cristiano Ronaldo's absence overshadowed Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Espanyol after goals from Gareth Bale and Alvaro Morata (2) secured victory in their final La Liga game of the season.
Ronaldo, who limped off with a muscle injury in the 1-1 draw at Real Valladolid earlier this month, sustained a problem in the warm-up and was replaced in the side by Isco.And the nine-time European champions could also be without Benzema for the clash in Lisbon after he came off in the 67th minute with an apparent groin complaint.
Real were always in control and ensured victory with a late flurry from Benzema's replacement Morata, but the focus will firmly be on the prospects of their injured attacking pair prior to the showdown with Atletico and next month's World Cup.
The hosts took a while to find their rhythm without Portuguese talisman Ronaldo, the first real chance taking 13 minutes to arrive as Benzema headed over Marcelo's left-wing cross.
Marcelo then forced Kiko Casilla into a near-post stop with a shot from a tight angle before Sergio Ramos drew another save from the Espanyol goalkeeper from the resulting corner.Ramos, scorer of five goals in his last six games, continued to show signs of potentially adding to his tally, firing narrowly wide from long range in the 27th minute.
But the best chance of the first half fell to Benzema, who cleverly worked his way past a couple of defenders inside the area only to be denied by a fine Casilla save.
Yet for all their dominance, Real may have fallen behind had Daniel Carvajal not produced an excellent last-ditch tackle to prevent Simao from getting a shot away from point-blank range.
Real cut the look of a frustrated side for much of the encounter as they laboured to try and find a way through a stubborn Espanyol defence, with Ramos once again going close as he curled over in the 63rd minute.However, Carlo Ancelotti's men finally found the back of the net just a minute later when Bale raced onto Benzema's clever reverse throughball and slotted in off the post.
Espanyol missed a glorious chance to level almost immediately, Simao somehow missing the target when one-on-one with Iker Casillas.
Morata effectively made sure of the points with a close-range finish in the 86th minute before Pizzi converted Sergio Garcia's neat pass to halve the deficit.
A second for Morata put the gloss on a straightforward win, but that will have done little to calm the tension surrounding the fitness of Ronaldo and Benzema.
Cristiano Ronaldo's absence overshadowed Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Espanyol after goals from Gareth Bale and Alvaro Morata (2) secured victory in their final La Liga game of the season.
Ronaldo, who limped off with a muscle injury in the 1-1 draw at Real Valladolid earlier this month, sustained a problem in the warm-up and was replaced in the side by Isco.And the nine-time European champions could also be without Benzema for the clash in Lisbon after he came off in the 67th minute with an apparent groin complaint.
Real were always in control and ensured victory with a late flurry from Benzema's replacement Morata, but the focus will firmly be on the prospects of their injured attacking pair prior to the showdown with Atletico and next month's World Cup.
The hosts took a while to find their rhythm without Portuguese talisman Ronaldo, the first real chance taking 13 minutes to arrive as Benzema headed over Marcelo's left-wing cross.
Marcelo then forced Kiko Casilla into a near-post stop with a shot from a tight angle before Sergio Ramos drew another save from the Espanyol goalkeeper from the resulting corner.Ramos, scorer of five goals in his last six games, continued to show signs of potentially adding to his tally, firing narrowly wide from long range in the 27th minute.
But the best chance of the first half fell to Benzema, who cleverly worked his way past a couple of defenders inside the area only to be denied by a fine Casilla save.
Yet for all their dominance, Real may have fallen behind had Daniel Carvajal not produced an excellent last-ditch tackle to prevent Simao from getting a shot away from point-blank range.
Real cut the look of a frustrated side for much of the encounter as they laboured to try and find a way through a stubborn Espanyol defence, with Ramos once again going close as he curled over in the 63rd minute.However, Carlo Ancelotti's men finally found the back of the net just a minute later when Bale raced onto Benzema's clever reverse throughball and slotted in off the post.
Espanyol missed a glorious chance to level almost immediately, Simao somehow missing the target when one-on-one with Iker Casillas.
Morata effectively made sure of the points with a close-range finish in the 86th minute before Pizzi converted Sergio Garcia's neat pass to halve the deficit.
A second for Morata put the gloss on a straightforward win, but that will have done little to calm the tension surrounding the fitness of Ronaldo and Benzema.
Villa heaps praise on Simeone's Atletico 'warriors'
David Villa heaped praise on Atletico Madrid's "warriors" and coach Diego Simeone after they claimed their first La Liga title in 18 years on Saturday.
Atleti got the point they required with a 1-1 draw at Barcelona, with Diego Godin's header enough to deny the home side the win which would have seen them defend the title based on their head-to-head record.
It is a remarkable achievement for Atletico, whose budget is a fraction of those enjoyed by Barca and Real Madrid, and Villa believes a great work ethic – and the brilliance of Simeone – proved vital.
He told Canal Plus: "Cholo [Simeone] is everything here. He is the courage, he is the reflection. With his knowledge and a lot of warriors, we have achieved.
"I'm very happy to have put the icing on this successful season."
Atleti's hopes hung in the balance after Alexis Sanchez put Barca in front after 34 minutes until Godin’s towering header at the start of the second half proved enough for the visitors.
Former Barca striker Villa added: "This match was a reflection of the year. We gave all we had. We had everything against us today, with two injuries [to Diego Costa and Arda Turan], but we learned how to react.
"We have been better than our rivals in the Liga.
"The last 10 minutes of the first half showed this. Another team, against Barcelona, in their stadium would have collapsed, but not us."
Next up for Atletico is the Champions League final against city rivals Real in a week’s time.
"We have to celebrate this Liga title, there is time to prepare for the final. There is still the desire to keep going," said Villa.
David Villa heaped praise on Atletico Madrid's "warriors" and coach Diego Simeone after they claimed their first La Liga title in 18 years on Saturday.
Atleti got the point they required with a 1-1 draw at Barcelona, with Diego Godin's header enough to deny the home side the win which would have seen them defend the title based on their head-to-head record.
It is a remarkable achievement for Atletico, whose budget is a fraction of those enjoyed by Barca and Real Madrid, and Villa believes a great work ethic – and the brilliance of Simeone – proved vital.
He told Canal Plus: "Cholo [Simeone] is everything here. He is the courage, he is the reflection. With his knowledge and a lot of warriors, we have achieved.
"I'm very happy to have put the icing on this successful season."
Atleti's hopes hung in the balance after Alexis Sanchez put Barca in front after 34 minutes until Godin’s towering header at the start of the second half proved enough for the visitors.
Former Barca striker Villa added: "This match was a reflection of the year. We gave all we had. We had everything against us today, with two injuries [to Diego Costa and Arda Turan], but we learned how to react.
"We have been better than our rivals in the Liga.
"The last 10 minutes of the first half showed this. Another team, against Barcelona, in their stadium would have collapsed, but not us."
Next up for Atletico is the Champions League final against city rivals Real in a week’s time.
"We have to celebrate this Liga title, there is time to prepare for the final. There is still the desire to keep going," said Villa.
'I'm sure Aragones was defending with us' - Simeone
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone paid tribute to former coach Luis Aragones after they won La Liga with a 1-1 draw at Barcelona on Saturday.
Needing just a point at Camp Nou on the final day of the season to claim their 18th La Liga title, Atletico found themselves behind at the break thanks to Alexis Sanchez's brilliant strike.
But Diego Godin's second-half header ensured the visitors claimed the draw they needed in a dramatic second half that also saw Lionel Messi have a goal ruled out for offside.
Former Atleti and Spain coach Aragones passed away in February and Simeone said he felt as though the ex-Rojiblancos striker were defending along with the team at Camp Nou.
"It's amazing," Simeone said. "You can't explain it. I have to thank the players, the people who trusted us. We've never stopped working and that's why we're here.
"Today is one of the best days in the history of Atleti. To be champions in Barcelona against a team like this, the champions of all in recent years.
"I'm sure Luis Aragones was defending for us in the second half."
Alexis' goal gave Barca a half-time lead which would have been enough to see them defend the title, but Simeone says he was quick to keep his players calm at the break.
"At half-time I told them to be relaxed," he said. "In the first half we did well. I knew if we scored, it would cost them. That's what happened. There was an amazing collective effort from everyone."
Simeone now turns his attention to next weekend's Champions League final against city rivals Real Madrid, who claimed the Copa del Rey earlier this season.
"I tell the fans we look forward to seeing them all, to see Madrid in red and white," he added. "Today we are making history, but we have to prepare for the final on Saturday."
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone paid tribute to former coach Luis Aragones after they won La Liga with a 1-1 draw at Barcelona on Saturday.
Needing just a point at Camp Nou on the final day of the season to claim their 18th La Liga title, Atletico found themselves behind at the break thanks to Alexis Sanchez's brilliant strike.
But Diego Godin's second-half header ensured the visitors claimed the draw they needed in a dramatic second half that also saw Lionel Messi have a goal ruled out for offside.
Former Atleti and Spain coach Aragones passed away in February and Simeone said he felt as though the ex-Rojiblancos striker were defending along with the team at Camp Nou.
"It's amazing," Simeone said. "You can't explain it. I have to thank the players, the people who trusted us. We've never stopped working and that's why we're here.
"Today is one of the best days in the history of Atleti. To be champions in Barcelona against a team like this, the champions of all in recent years.
"I'm sure Luis Aragones was defending for us in the second half."
Alexis' goal gave Barca a half-time lead which would have been enough to see them defend the title, but Simeone says he was quick to keep his players calm at the break.
"At half-time I told them to be relaxed," he said. "In the first half we did well. I knew if we scored, it would cost them. That's what happened. There was an amazing collective effort from everyone."
Simeone now turns his attention to next weekend's Champions League final against city rivals Real Madrid, who claimed the Copa del Rey earlier this season.
"I tell the fans we look forward to seeing them all, to see Madrid in red and white," he added. "Today we are making history, but we have to prepare for the final on Saturday."
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