Barcelona hold off Real Madrid to claim Liga title
Saturday, May 14, 2016
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Luis Suárez struck a hat-trick at Granada as Barcelona held off Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Real Madrid to clinch their eighth Spanish championship in 12 seasons and 24th in all.
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Luis Suárez struck a hat-trick as Barcelona wrapped up their eighth Liga title in 12 seasons in style, pipping Real Madrid by a point.
- Next season's Champions League group stage
- Europe's reigning champions and cup holders
- League standings in all of Europe's top flights
The Merengues were briefly on course for glory after Cristiano Ronaldo gave them an early lead at Deportivo La Coruña. Yet from the moment Luis Suárez put Barcelona ahead away to Granada on 22 minutes the result was never in doubt. The Uruguayan made it 2-0 before half-time then completed his hat-trick just before the end: his 40th Liga goal of the campaign.
"This title tastes great after so much hard work throughout the year and suffering right until the end," said captain Andrés Iniesta. "We had a very good advantage at one stage this season but we didn't do things well in a few games and the others came close to catching us. In the end, though, the title is always won by the most consistent team. And that's us."
How the final day unfolded
17.07: Cristiano Ronaldo gives Madrid a dream start at Deportivo. For 15 minutes the Liga is heading for the capital ...
17.22: Luis Suárez eases any Barcelona nerves with the opener at Granada ...
17.25: Ronaldo's second of the game puts Madrid 2-0 up ...
17.38: Luis Suárez gives Barcelona a two-goal cushion ...
18.41: Luis Suárez's 40th Liga goal of the season seals his top scorer prize (Ronaldo is second on 35) and wraps up the title ...
18.48: The final whistle blows. Barcelona are champions!