Karim Benzema’s double fired Real Madrid to their 34th La Liga title in a tight 2-1 victory over Villarreal.
The Frenchman’s powerful low strike in the 29th minute put the hosts in control and Benzema extended Real’s lead by firing in a retaken penalty in the 76th minute at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium.
The original spot-kick taken by Sergio Ramos was chalked off as he bizarrely attempted to pass it to Benzema, who ran into the box before referee Hernandez Hernandez blew his whistle.
Substitute Vicente Iborra scored a powerful header late on (86) for the visitors and substitute Marco Asensio had a goal chalked off by VAR in injury-time, but Real still emerged title winners as second-placed Barcelona lost 2-1 to Osasuna.
Madrid went into their final game with a commanding seven-point lead.
Madrid headed into a meeting with Villarreal at Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday night knowing a victory would see them crowned champions of Spain for only the third time in the last decade.
Ramos paid tribute to Zidane in his post-match interview with La Liga TV , while expressing his hope that the 48-year-old remains in charge for years to come.
“Everything Zidane touches turns into gold,” said the Madrid defender. “We believe in him and in his work. He’s the one who has to make the difference, he’s a person who trusts players, and few do.
“We hope he stays here for a very long time, he is unique.”
