Zidane’s Real set to conquer title

Madrid, May 20: Real Madrid are poised to win a first La Liga title in five years on Sunday as Zinedine Zidane’s men hold a three-point lead over Barcelona heading into the final day of the season.

Barca need to beat Eibar at home to have any chance of a third straight title in outgoing coach Luis Enrique’s farewell to the Camp Nou.

Madrid have looked in ominous form as they’ve edged towards the title by thrashing Sevilla and Celta Vigo 4-1 in the past week with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice in both games.

However, having lost just three league games all season it would be a huge shock if 11th-placed Malaga denied Madrid at the final hurdle.

Malaga, though, are one of La Liga’s form sides having picked up 13 points from their last five games. And Malaga’s attitude towards the game will be under the spotlight after some controversial comments from their coach Michel.

The former Madrid favourite admitted he wanted the title decided before his old side visited as he would have prefered to give them a “guard of honour” than deal Madrid’s chances “a blow”.

Zidane is expected to unusually name an unchanged side from the team that started in Vigo.

Atletico will play their final game at the Vicente Calderon before moving to the 67,000 Wanda Metropolitano next season with Athletic Bilbao the visitors earlier on Sunday. — AFP