Real Madrid claims 36th La Liga crown with four weeks to spare

Real Madrid claimed its 36th La Liga championship four weeks before the end of the season after Barcelona lost 4-2 away to Girona on Saturday afternoon.

Earlier Saturday, Madrid had increased its points total to 87 by defeating Cadiz 3-0 at home, a total that was out of reach of second place Girona (74 points). Girona's win allowed the upstart Catalan club to climb past Barcelona (73 points), while also ending the title race.

Los Blancos won the championship in Spain for the 36th time, increased the gap they enjoy over Barcelona, which has 27 championships.

Post-match feelings

After the Cadiz match, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said: "We are very happy and very content. It is a deserved LaLiga [championship] in every way and we have had fantastic support from the fans. We would like to celebrate with all the fans, but they understand because on Wednesday we have a very important challenge. We want to prepare well to make the fans happy and we will celebrate the title together on Saturday."

Madrid's current captain Nacho also said: "I would be lying to you if I told you that when I was little I did not dream of winning a LaLiga as captain. It is a feeling I have been looking forward to this year. It is a dream come true. To win a league title at Real Madrid is magnificent, but to do it as captain is even better."

25 titles together

Nacho and Luka Modrić have solidified their place among Real Madrid's most decorated players. Both reached a remarkable milestone of 25 trophies with the club, they now stand alongside Marcelo and Karim Benzema as the players with the most silverware in the club's illustrious history.

The veterans have been on board for five Champions League titles, five Club World Cups, four European Super Cups, four La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey, and five Spanish Super Cups. This remarkable achievement speaks volumes about their dedication, talent, and unwavering contribution to Real Madrid's success.

This news comes after a heartfelt interview with Nacho, where he expressed his pride and gratitude for reaching this milestone: "It sounds very nice, unbelievable. To be one of the players with the most titles at this club is a wonderful thing. It is very special to share it with players like Modrić, Marcelo and Karim. I am very happy."

Thibaut Courtois' return after 268 days

Another bit of happy news is that Real Madrid's No. 1 goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, made his long-awaited return after nine months. The Belgian goalkeeper ruptured his ACL last August. Afterward, Courtois expressed immense joy at being back on the pitch, stating, "I am happy to feel like a goalkeeper again."

His return was met with a warm welcome from the Bernabéu crowd, who erupted in a standing ovation. Courtois kept a clean sheet and played a crucial role in the team's victory, making a key save in a one-on-one situation.

Courtois' return is a significant boost for Real Madrid as they head into the final stages of the season. His resilience and dedication serve as an inspiration, and his presence on the pitch undoubtedly strengthens the team's chances of achieving their goals.