On The Continent: Champions Again!

REAL: CHAMPIONS AGAIN
Real Madrid were crowned Primera Liga champions for the second successive season on Sunday evening as Bernd Schuster's men edged out a late, tense 2-1 victory at Osasuna. Second place Villarreal's Kahveci Nihat-inspired 2-0 victory at home to Getafe earlier on Sunday had meant that Real's lead at the top was cut to seven points, but regardless of this they knew they could seal the title with victory. The celebration party seemed like it was going to be crashed early in the second half, however, as Fabio Cannavaro was sent-off for a mistimed challenge on Jarolav Plasil.

Things got even worse eight minutes from time when Patxi Punal converted a penalty, which was won after Gabriel Heinze handballed a corner, to put the hosts into a shock lead. The fate of the title looked like it was going to head into another week, but a thrilling finale got underway three minutes from time when former Chelsea star Arjen Robben headed in from close range to level up. Gonzalo Higuain then sealed the win with just seconds left to complete a thrilling comeback and hand Madrid championship glory.

After the match, Schuster said his side were 'deserved winners' of the league, while president Ramon Camderon added: 'We have shown that titles are achieved by hard work and I am proud of the players. The game against Barcelona [on Wednesday] will be a party because we have achieved something very difficult, winning the league for the second year in a row. We gave everything on the pitch. It's a delight to watch this team. They are a great group of sportsmen.'

The season hasn't been a complete success for Real though.