Madrid draw hands Liga crown to Barcelona
Saturday, May 11, 2013
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FC Barcelona, not in action until Sunday, have been crowned Spanish champions for the 22nd time after rivals Real Madrid CF were held to a 1-1 draw at RCD Espanyol.
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FC Barcelona have been crowned Spanish champions after Real Madrid CF drew 1-1 with RCD Espanyol.
With the Merengues having two games left, Barcelona's lead is an unassailable seven points heading into their weekend Liga engagement with third-placed Club Atlético de Madrid.
The hosts dominated the first period and deservedly took the lead when Christian Stuani rifled into the net after a deep corner resulted in a goalmouth scramble. The lively forward was denied a second by Diego López before half-time.
Madrid, aided by substitute Cristiano Ronaldo, equalised just shy of the hour, Gonzalo Higuaín meeting Luka Modric's free-kick with the deftest of headers. Both goalkeepers made important saves thereafter, but the spoils were shared. Madrid's attention now switches to Friday's Copa del Rey final against Atlético.
Bottom side RCD Mallorca's chances of survival receded further with a 2-1 defeat by Athletic Club, a match in which the strugglers had Andreu Fontàs and Joaquín Navarro Jiménez dismissed. RC Deportivo La Coruña are two points adrift of safety after succumbing to Real Valladolid CF, while CA Osasuna moved four clear of danger as Alejandro Arribas' goal sunk Getafe CF.