Ancelotti Leads Real Madrid to 36th La Liga Title and Surpasses Zidane's Record
Ancelotti is closing in on Miguel Muñoz record of 14 titles
Real Madrid are the champions of Spain for the 36th time, following a 3-0 win over Cádiz and a 4-2 loss for Barcelona at Girona, making Carlo Ancelotti's lead at the top of La Liga unreachable. With four games left in the season, Real Madrid climbed to 87 points, extending their lead to 13 points over second-placed Girona and 14 points over Barcelona in third.
Goals from Brahim Díaz, Jude Bellingham, and Joselu secured Madrid’s comfortable win over Cádiz, while Girona's stunning victory over Barcelona solidified Real's place at the top. Ancelotti, who surpassed Zinedine Zidane's managerial success at the club, rested several key players ahead of the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich, but his team still delivered a commanding performance.
After a dominant first half, Madrid finally broke through in the 51st minute with Díaz's curling shot from the edge of the box. The young star then assisted Bellingham for a tidy finish in the 68th minute. In stoppage time, Joselu sealed the win with a tap-in during a counterattack.
Ancelotti acknowledged the team's excellent form but urged caution, saying,
"We have to put our joy on ice because we have a very important game ahead of us on Wednesday... We have played a spectacular Spanish league season. We have been very consistent and rarely slipped up. The advantage we have is deserved. We have to recover, rest, and play our best against Bayern."
In addition to the La Liga title, Ancelotti has had an illustrious career, winning numerous domestic and international titles with various clubs. His ability to inspire consistency and cultivate a winning mentality has been pivotal in Madrid's success this season. By leading Madrid to their 36th La Liga title, he has cemented his status as one of the greatest managers in the club's history.
With a Champions League to come this season, and at least one more campaign to come in Madrid next season, he could well take the top spot from Miguel Munoz – the most successful Real Madrid in history.
Meanwhile, Girona’s victory over Barcelona not only disrupted the title race but also secured them a place in next season's Champions League. Barça initially took the lead with a goal from Andreas Christensen, but Girona quickly responded with a header from Artem Dovbyk, La Liga’s top scorer. Robert Lewandowski gave Barcelona the lead from the penalty spot, but Girona's substitutes, Portu and Miguel Gutiérrez, changed the game with two quick goals in the 65th and 67th minutes before Portu added a stunning volley in the 74th minute to seal the win.
"It's incredible to look at your shirt and experience this. There is nothing more beautiful than living this,"
Portu told DAZN, emotionally describing his journey with the club. His redemption after a challenging time was a feel-good moment for the fans and highlighted the unpredictability of this La Liga season.
Overall, Real Madrid's triumph under Ancelotti's leadership has been marked by his tactical acumen and ability to motivate his players, setting the stage for future success at the club. His surpassing Zidane's record speaks volumes about his contributions to Madrid's rich history.
Thanks for reading, David Skilling
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