Once again high spirit was crucial for Real Madrid after they came from behind to claim a 3-1 home victory over Mallorca and clinch the Primera Liga title for the first time in four years. Although Real's nearest rivals Barcelona thrashed Gimnastic 5-1, Los Meringues won the league for the 30th time, thanks to their superior head-to-head record over the Catalans who finished the season empty-handed. Fernando Varela put Mallorca in front in the first-half but a stunning second-half display by Real saw them overturn the deficit. Substitute Jose Reyes scored a brace and Mahamadou Diarra was also on the score sheet to put the game beyond doubts. Mallorca mounted an early pressure and could have opened the score line after just one minute when striker Juan Arango was released by a deft pass before hitting a shot that was denied by the post. Varela stunned the home crowd in the 17th minute when he sprung the offside trap on Arango's brilliant through pass to poke home past Ilker Casillas, who rushed out in an attempt to block the Spanish defender's effort. Poor positioning by Roberto Carlos, Sergio Ramos and Fabio Cannavaro was to blame for Mallorca's stunning opener. Real then dominated in terms of possession, pushing forward in a bid to level the score especially after learning the news of Barca's complete supremacy over Gimnastic. However, they were frustrated by Mallorca's tight defense and their hopes of grabbing the equalizer suffered a huge blow after La Liga's top scorer Ruud van Nistelrooy had to be replaced in the 33rd minute after sustaining an injury. Argentinean forward Gonzalo Higuain was introduced instead of the injured Dutchman. Three minutes after re-start, David Beckham's pinpoint free-kick picked out Sergio Ramos inside the area but the Spanish defender's header missed the target. In the 57th minute, Beckham whipped in a free-kick from the left that was denied by the crossbar.
Messi's efforts were not enough One minute later, Valera wasted a golden opportunity to widen Real's misery when he went clear on goal but his shot went inches wide of the post. Mallorca's counter attacks were very dangerous but they couldn't capitalize and were punished by Reyes few minutes after his introduction instead of Beckham, who received a standing ovation before his departure to Los Angeles Galaxy. Nine minutes past the hour mark, Spanish winger Reyes, on loan from Arsenal, leveled the score after converting Higuain's cross from the left-flank with a low shot. Mallorca keeper Miguel Moya produced a superb save to deny Robinho's powerful shot from the edge of the area in the 80th minute. Malian midfielder Diarra proved how much was it worth to leave his country and return back to Real upon FIFA's order, notching the decisive strike for Los Meringues. Moya tried to block Diarra's header from a corner but his save hit Angelos Basinas and crossed the line to send Real fans into ectasy. Reyes ensured the victory seven minutes from time with a wonderful curling shot into the back of the net. Elsewhere, Barcelona enjoyed a big win over relegated Gimnastic but it was not enough to hand them a third successive title. Cameroonian hitman Samuel Eto'o almost broke the deadlock after 20 minutes but his header from Ronaldinho's cross at the far post struck the upright. The Catalans were ahead seconds later after Deco's neat pass released Lionel Messi, who passed across the area to skipper Carles Puyol for an easy tap-in. Argentinean prodigy Messi, Barca's top star throughout the season, doubled the lead in the 35th minute with a powerful left-footed shot from the edge of the area that left Gimnastic keeper Ruben Perez with no chance. Ronaldinho killed off the hosts' hopes three minutes later after curling a brilliant free-kick into the right top corner of the net.
