XtraTime Web Desk: Double strike from Karim Benzema helped Real Madrid win 2-1 against Villarreal to clinch their 34th La Liga title at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium on Thursday night. It was the 10th successive win for Zinedine Zidane’s boys since returning from the break. The Los Blancos lifted the title with a match in hand as they are now on 86 points from 37 games, seven points clear of Barcelona who suffered a shock 1-2 defeat at Camp Nou against Osasuna.
Benzema gave Real the lead with his thunderous strike in the 29th minute. Luka Modric gave a perfect through to Benzema on the counter-attack before he fired through Asenjo’s legs into the net for his 20th goal of the season. The Frenchman was again on the score sheet after he converted from a retaken spot kick in the 76th minute. The hosts were awarded a penalty as Ramos was tripped up by Sofian inside the area. Real Madrid decided to take the spot kick himself and elected to pass it to Benzema, who strayed into the box too early. The retaken penalty was then converted by Benzema low into the bottom-left corner of the net. Substitute Vicente Iborra reduced the margin for Villarreal in the 86th minute.
In another La Liga fixture Barcelona were stunned 1-2 by Osasuna at home. A late strike from Roberto Torres proved costly for the Catalans. J Arnaiz Diaz gave the visitors the lead in the 15th minute. Lionel Messi scored the equalizer for Barca in the 62nd minute. The loss meant Quique Setien’s side will end up the season on the 2nd spot.
Results from La Liga fixtures on Thursday (July 16, 2020)
Eibar 3-1 Real Valladolid
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Leganes
Barcelona 1-2 Osasuna
Celta Vigo 2-3 Levante
Getafe 0-2 Atletico Madrid
Real Betis 1-2 Alaves
Real Madrid 2-1 Villarreal
Real Mallorca 1-2 Granada
Real Sociedad 0-0 Sevilla
Valencia 1-0 Espanyol