Atletico stun Barcelona to win La Liga title

The point was enough to see Diego Simeone’s men clinch the title ahead of Barca and Real Madrid, something that had been previously unthinkable.

Atletico were made to do it the hard way, with both Diego Costa and Arda Turan withdrawn through injury early in the first half.

And Barcelona looked completely in charge as Alexis Sanchez scored a rocket in the 33rd minute after a fizzing near-post strike.

But Diego Godin equalised four minutes after half-time, giving Atletico hope of claiming the point they needed to break the Barcelona-Real Madrid stranglehold on the Spanish title.

And Diego Simeone's men clung on - despite a tireless second-half onslaught from Barca - to give Atletico their first title since 1996.

It marks the end of a nine-year strangehold that Spain's big two have held on the title, and is almost certain to spell the end of Tata Martino's spell as Barca manager as the side finished trophyless for the first time since 2008.

As for Atletico, they will turn their attention to the Champions League final against Real Madrid next week, which will give them a chance to prove themselves not just the best team in Spain, but the best in Europe.

Tata Martino left Jordi Alba, Xavi and Neymar out of his starting lineup, favouring a front three of Pedro, Alexis and Lionel Messi. Simeone selected a full strength side, with Costa partnering David Villa up front.

The Catalans started the better of the two sides, dominating possession with their high-tempo style of play. But Atletico grew into the contest, despite an early injury blow to Costa. The Brazilian-born striker is now a doubt for the Champions League final having aggravated a hamstring injury.

Barca took the lead after 33 minutes in dramatic fashion. There appeared to be little on for Alexis when the ball dropped to him 10 yards out from goal, yet the Chilean lashed a shot into the net at the near post to make it 1-0.

But Simeone fired up his side for the start of the second half, and they found an equaliser barely three minutes after the break. Godin jumped highest to meet a corner kick, powering a header into the net.

Messi was enduring a quiet afternoon, but thought he had put his side back in front after smashing a shot high into the net from close range. But the flag was rightfully raised to indicate offside, and the goal was chalked off.

Barca piled forward in search of the goal that would have changed the picture at the top of La Liga but despite a couple of hopeful penalty claims and long range shots, they couldn’t find a breakthrough.