Real Madrid hammer Espanyol to seal La Liga title

Real Madrid 4-0 Espanyol

Real Madrid's La Liga triumph capped a remarkable milestone for Carlo Ancelotti on Saturday as the Italian became the first manager to capture titles in each of Europe's top five leagues - England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France.

Real clinched their 35th league crown following a thumping 4-0 win against Espanyol, clinching the title with almost a month of the season remaining.

The 62-year-old Ancelotti has one of the most-decorated CVs in world football and when he was lured back to Madrid for a second spell last June following the departure of club great Zinedine Zidane, he knew that his only mission was to increase Real's trophy haul.

To do that Ancelotti has not only shown astute tactical nous on the pitch but he also knows how to bring out the best in his players, both the young and experienced.

Many thought 36-year-old Croatian midfielder Luka Modric and French striker Karim Benzema, 34, were well past their prime but under Ancelotti's calm guidance, they have once again prospered.

Benzema is the league's top scorer this season with 26 goals - his tally already more than his 2020-2021 haul.

At the other end of the spectrum, Ancelotti has also boosted the confidence of 21-year-old Vinicius Jr, who has become an integral part of a squad not only as a winger but also with his ability to score goals. Only Benzema has netted more goals than the Brazilian for Real in LaLiga this season.

Ancelotti's meticulous planning and nurturing of players paid off on Saturday when he completed his collection of titles from the top five leagues.

His winning run began with steering AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2004, before triumphs in the Premier League with Chelsea in 2010, Ligue 1 with Paris St Germain in 2013