League title is Barcelona's consolation prize
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
MADRID, May 17 (AP): Barcelona's 20th Spanish league title came as some consolation in a season where retaining the Champions League at the home of archrival Real Madrid looked to be the top priority.
Barcelona sealed the defence of its league crown by beating Valladolid 4-0 on Sunday. Its tally of 99 points left it three clear of Madrid, whose two defeats to its Catalan rival meant it had no chance of ending a two-year trophyless run even if the two sides ended the season level on points. Led by the mighty scoring boot of Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola's team managed to hold off Madrid for the second straight year.
Barcelona sealed the defence of its league crown by beating Valladolid 4-0 on Sunday. Its tally of 99 points left it three clear of Madrid, whose two defeats to its Catalan rival meant it had no chance of ending a two-year trophyless run even if the two sides ended the season level on points. Led by the mighty scoring boot of Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola's team managed to hold off Madrid for the second straight year.