Real win, unreal celebrations

Madrid, May 22 

Thousands of Real Madrid fans, many decked in the famous white team jersey, converged in the centre of the Spanish capital to celebrate the club’s 33rd league title. Elated fans cheered and lit flares when the squad arrived on an open-top bus bearing the word “Campeones” (champions) on the side at the club’s traditional celebration spot, the Plaza de Cibeles, as confetti rained down.

Team captain Sergio Ramos and other players decked in white shirts with the No. 33 on the back filmed the crowd with mobile phones from the top of the bus, which was escorted by police on horseback.

Ramos took to a walkway over the plaza’s fountain and draped the statue of the goddess Cybele with the club flag as Queen’s anthem “We Are the Champions” blared out from loudspeakers. Ronaldo and French striker Karim Benzema scored the two goals which gave Real their win over Malaga and their first Spanish league title since 2012. 

La Liga win is bigger than World Cup for Zidane

Zinedine Zidane claimed winning La Liga as Real Madrid coach surpasses his stellar achievements as a player and even winning the Champions League in his debut season as coach last year. “It is the happiest day of my professional life by a distance,” Zidane said after landing Madrid's first title in five years.”Right now I would like to stand up here and dance,” he added.

Zidane won the World Cup, European Championships and Champions League as one of the greatest players of his generation, but said the extra responsibility that comes with being coach made this achievements greater. “As coach of Real Madrid you know what the expectations are,” he added. “I have experienced it as a player and that is why I say it is the happiest day of my professional life because being a coach changes everything. I have won everything with this club, but to win La Liga is the best of all.” — Agencies