Real Madrid clinch La Liga title

No Cristiano Ronaldo, no problem.

Spanish giants Real Madrid toppled Villarreal 2-1 on Thursday and clinched the 2019-20 La Liga title. Thursday's results gave Real a seven-point advantage over rivals Barcelona with one matchday remaining on the domestic calendar. Los Blancos became champions again for the first time since 2017.

Real were far and away the country's best side since emerging from the coronavirus pandemic lockdown in June, as they won 10 consecutive fixtures to earn the league crown. Barcelona, meanwhile, lost 2-1 to Osasuna on Thursday and have dropped points on four occasions since the campaign resumed.

Barcelona were two points clear of Real when Spanish football and other leagues halted play in mid-March due to the uncontrolled virus outbreak.

Real can still add this season's Champions League title to a packed trophy case. To do so, they'll have to erase a 2-1 first-leg deficit versus Premier League outfit Manchester City on Aug. 7 to qualify for the tournament's quarterfinal stage.