Consistent Real Madrid deserved title, says captain Sergio Ramos

ByReuters

Updated 21/05/2017 at 21:39 GMT

Real Madrid's consistency and hard work made them worthy La Liga champions, captain Sergio Ramos said after their 2-0 win at Malaga on Sunday ended a five-year wait for the title.

Real Madrid's defender Sergio Ramos (C) celebrates with teammates at the end of the Spanish league football match Malaga CF vs Real Madrid at La Rosaleda stadium in Malaga on May 21, 2017. Real Madrid won their 33rd La Liga title and first for five years

Image credit: Getty Images

"We feel great, it has taken a lot of work and has been hard fought but this is an award for our consistency, the sacrifice of going the whole season practically without slipping up. This group deserved to win the league," Ramos told reporters.

"Our consistency has been fundamental; we played every game like it was our last. We played with concentration and intensity, we've kept our heads when we've needed to and we've got the points."

Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid and Marcelo of Real Madrid celebrate winning the title after the La Liga match between Malaga and Real Madrid at La Rosaleda Stadium on May 21, 2017 in Malaga, Spain.

Image credit: Getty Images

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Goals from top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema either side of halftime sealed a sixth consecutive league win for Real, who have scored in every game in all competitions this season.

They top the final standings on 93 points, three ahead of last year's champions Barcelona, 15 above Atletico Madrid in third and 21 clear of fourth-placed Sevilla.

"We really deserve this even though we've had to fight for it until the end," added Ramos.

"It's worth savouring because this is the best league in the world and the most difficult. As well as Barcelona, Sevilla and Atletico have been fighting at the top but we were the best.

Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid celebrates after his side are crowned champions following the La Liga match between Malaga and Real Madrid at La Rosaleda Stadium on May 21, 2017 in Malaga, Spain.

Image credit: Getty Images

"You'll always have a few doubts when you're up against strong opponents but we've maintained our character and our work rate which has given us so much success."

His manager, Zinedine Zidane added how he thrilled he was at winning the league because it is such an achievement.

"Happy? It may not seem like I am, but on the inside I’m very happy,” Zidane said after the game.

Zinedine Zidane, Manager of Real Madrid celebrates with Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid after being crowned champions following the La Liga match between Malaga and Real Madrid at La Rosaleda Stadium on May 21, 2017 in Malaga, Spain.

Image credit: Getty Images

"Just as throughout the season we did it in the end with hard work and by fighting,

"With the type of squad we have we only have to think about working, it's been a very hard fought league win, difficult at some moments, but after 38 games there's no better feeling than being at the top.

"The credit is for all of them [the players] because they have fought and the message has been that they are all important and have been key to the success.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane celebrates with his players after winning La Liga

Image credit: Reuters

"(But) he (Ronaldo) is always there to make the difference and I am happy for him - it is a little different because he is always there to do it.

"It has been a difficult season that we worked hard for, with some tough moments, but after 38 games we are top and that is it.

"Now we can celebrate - we have to go to [the city centre] because we have to think about all the people that are part of the club. Later we will prepare for the final."

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