Real Madrid win La Liga after Benzema double

Real Madrid were crowned La Liga champions for 2019/20 after a 2-1 victory over Villarreal at the Di Stefano stadium. 'Los Blancos' were comfortable for most of the contest, but once Villarreal pulled one back, the away side put the pressure on and Javi Calleja's men had a triple opportunity to level at the death. 

Karim Benzema gave the home side the lead after 29 minutes when Casemiro intercepted a Villarreal pass. He found Modric who then fed Benzema to score between goalkeeper Asenjo's legs. In the second half, Real Madrid were awarded a penalty after Chakla brought down Ramos. Ramos and Benzema tried to combine from the spot, but a retake was ordered as Benzema entered the box too early and the Frenchman made no mistake from 12 yards. 

Vicente Iborra made it 2-1 seven minutes from time when he headed home Mario Gaspar's cross and that led to Villarreal piling the pressure on in the last ten minutes. However, the fact Barcelona were never in front against Osasuna, meant that Real Madrid could relax even if Villarreal got an equaliser. 

 

July 16, 2020

Courtois took a blow to the head in the 69th minute after being caught by Quintilla's left knee as the two went for the ball. The goalkeeper seemed to be a bit dazed after the collision, but he showed no signs of discomfort when he was called into action late in the contest.

In the 93rd minute, the away side had a triple chance to level when Ontivero's cross in bounces in the area, Courtois batted away and then the Belgian keeper had to save Bruno's rebound with his shot. Then Iborra knocked the third effort wide. 

Asensio thought he had put the icing on the cake for Real Madrid in the 95th minute when he finished home after a lovely bit of play by Vinicius to beat three or four defenders, but the goal was taken away by VAR after a Benzema handball in the build up. 

It was a much deserved trophy for Real Madrid who have won every single game since the restart despite not being at their best. Zinedine Zidane has turned around a struggling Real Madrid into a title winning one in a matter of 16 months.