Real Madrid 2-1 Villarreal: 5 Talking Points as Los Blancos clinch historic 34th title | LaLiga 2019-20 

#3 Even in defeat, Villarreal secure European qualification

Villarreal and Real Madrid were greeted with good news at the full-time whistle

With the top four in Spain having been decided, the last two European spots were still up for grabs with two matches left. No fewer than six clubs retained varying hopes of making it to the Europa League next season.

Villarreal had the strongest stake and needed an unlikely draw against Real Madrid to secure their spot in Europe. However, despite their defeat, results elsewhere did them massive favours.

Both Getafe and Athletic Bilbao lost to Atletico Madrid and Leganes respectively, while Real Sociedad could only post a dour goalless draw at home to Sevilla.

This means that Villarreal remain in 5th spot, three points clear of 7th-placed Getafe and their superior head-to-head with the Madrid side means that they are sure of Europa League participation next season.

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#2 Routine performance symbolic of Real Madrid's season

Sergio Ramos has been Real Madrid's Player of the Season

Real Madrid have been far from their best this season but nobody can argue that they are deserved champions. In many ways, this match against Villarreal was an embodiment of everything their campaign has been about.

Karim Benzema has been their chief goal threat this season and it came as no surprise when he opened the scoring with his 20th goal of the season.

Another star of the campaign also played a key role in the buildup to the goal, with Casemiro routinely dispossessing Sofian Chakla in midfield before releasing Luka Modric. The Croatian, who himself has had a sort of renaissance this season, provided the assists for the opening goal of the game.

There have been many who opined that Real Madrid have been on the receiving end of favourable VAR decisions. Those views would be bolstered by what was a highly contentious penalty decision, which was upheld despite an extensive review by the VAR.

Sergio Ramos - arguably Real Madrid's Player of the Season - won the spot-kick and expectedly stood over it. However, the skipper graciously passed over the responsibility to his more attack-minded teammate.

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#1 With league glory secured, attention can now turn to preparations for the Champions League

Real Madrid will not prepare for the Champions League

It might be of secondary importance right now but Real Madrid's status as European royalty means that the Champions League still holds a regal appeal to the club regardless of glory achieved elsewhere.

The Spanish giants currently have the small matter of overturning a 2-1 deficit against Manchester City. Their job is hardly helped by the fact that they would have to do so without inspirational captain Sergio Ramos, who is suspended for the fixture.

Recent performances would, however, give Zidane cause for optimism, while the return to full fitness and form of his key players would see Los Blancos head to the Etihad full of belief.

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