"This team can never be written off and they won the title in heroic fashion. Winning the title two years in a row is a huge achievement."

Happy ending

Real coach Bernd Schuster said he was delighted to have won his first major trophy as a coach.

"It was like one of those American sports films when you have to fight and suffer but you eventually get a happy ending," said the German.

"We are going to enjoy the moment, celebrate with our fans back in Madrid and have a great time when we play Barcelona at the Bernabeu on Wednesday."

Villarreal made sure Real had to win the game by beating Getafe 2-0 at home, Turkish striker Nihat Kahveci scoring both goals with neat finishes either side of halftime.

Real Madrid fought their way back after a sending off and going a goal down to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory at Osasuna and win their 31st Spanish league title on Sunday.

The victory meant that Manuel Pellegrini's side retain their four-point advantage over Barcelona in the race for second place.

The Catalans hammered a beleaguered Valencia 6-0 at the Nou Camp, to record their first win in six games.

France striker Thierry Henry and youngster Bojan Krkic scored two goals apiece while Lionel Messi weighed in with a penalty and Xavi with a fine 20-metre drive.

Valencia, who have lost five of their last six league games, remain just two points above the relegation zone.

Real Madrid fought their way back after a sending off and going a goal down to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory at Osasuna and win their 31st Spanish league title on Sunday.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily May 5, 2008)