IN LA LIGA OF THEIR OWN

How Real bounced back to win their 36th Spanish title and put Barca in the shade

- JOSEPH WILSON

SO much for a season of transition following the departure of Karim Benzema.

Real Madrid claimed their record-extending 36th Spanish La Liga title on Saturday night and did it with four games to spare.

A campaign that started with questions is finishing in a flourish that could see them secure a La LigaChampions League double.

And more worryingly for the competition at home and abroad, they are young and look as if the journey has only just begun.

So, how has the master, Carlo Ancelotti, done it again?

BELLINGHAM BOOM

Madrid hit the jackpot when they convinced Jude Bellingham to turn his back on offers from home in the Premier League. He was given the No.5 jersey of Zinedine Zidane, along with the pressure of having put Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric on the bench.

But nobody expected the 20-year-old England midfielder to adapt so quickly and become a lethal attacking and scoring threat.