Atletico break Barca, Real stranglehold on title

AGAINST all the odds and despite suffering a series of setbacks, Atletico Madrid clinched their first La Liga title since 1996, battling back to draw with Barcelona and celebrate this most unlikely triumph at the Nou Camp.

A superb strike by Alexis Sanchez had put the Catalans in command in the first half of this final-day decider, after Atletico had lost top scorer Diego Costa and midfielder Arda Turan, to injury.

But a bullet header from Diego Godin levelled the score early in the second half and Diego Simeone’s brilliant underdogs again proved their resilience, holding on for a draw that saw them finish above Barcelona.

Atletico picked up their 10th title and became the first side since Valencia in 2004 to break Barcelona and Real Madrid’s grip.

There were few surprises in Atletico’s line-up, with Diego Costa recovering, as expected, from a strained hamstring to start in attack alongside David Villa, who swapped Barcelona for the Rojiblancos last summer.

Barca’s hopes were lifted in the 13th minute when Costa had to be replaced by Adrian.

The usually vibrant Turan followed the striker off midway through the first half with a muscular problem, Raul Garcia forced to come on far earlier than intended.

Despite their uneasy start, Barca were the only side to create chances in the first 45 minutes. A goal was not imminent, but nor was it undeserved when it arrived. It originated from a chipped pass by Cesc Fabregas into the area. Messi chested it down and the ball bounced for Sánchez to hit a venomous strike beyond Courtois.

Atletico came out much stronger in the second half. Villa won the corner which lead to the equaliser. Gabi sent in an outswinging corner and Godin rose to aim a bullet header low past José Manuel Pinto and into the net. —