Ronaldo leads Real Madrid to 33rd La Liga title

MADRID — Real Madrid won their 33rd La Liga title and first for five years as Cristiano Ronaldo's 40th goal of the season helped seal a 2-0 victory at Malaga on Sunday.

Ronaldo got Madrid off to the perfect start after just two minutes before Karim Benzema's close-range finish sealed the title 10 minutes into the second half.

Madrid beat out Barcelona at the top of the table by three points as the Catalans' come-from-behind 4-2 victory over Eibar in outgoing coach Luis Enrique's last home game in charge wasn't enough for a third straight title.

"It is the happiest day of my professional life by a distance," said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.

"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, this shirt but to win La Liga is the best of all."

Real needed just a point to be assured of the title and any lingering nerves were dispelled within seconds.

Isco latched upon a poor clearance from Luis Hernandez and his sumptuous through ball freed Ronaldo to round Carlos Kameni and fire into an empty net.

"On a collective level I think it is my best season at Real Madrid," added Ronaldo.

"Everyone has played minutes and all the squad have contributed."

Malaga's attitude ahead of the game had been questioned after comments by their coach Michel that he would have preferred his former club had won the league before their visit to La Rosaleda to give them a guard of honor.