After drawing with title rivals Barcelona at the Nou Camp, Atletico Madrid have become La Liga champions for the first time since 1996.

Going into the title decider, a win for Barcelona would have seen them lift yet another title. And their hopes of doing so were lifted when Atletico striker Diego Costa was forced off due to an injury early on. He hobbled off to be replaced by Adrian and looked disconsolate on the bench – like a man who knows next week’s Champions League final might come too soon for him.

Just minutes later and Atletico's problems worsened as Arda Turan was also forced off with an injury.

The home side capitalized on this and took the lead after 33 minutes thanks to Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean winger pounced on a loose ball inside the box, which he duly smashed home from the tightest of angles.

At the break, it looked like that would be the goal to decide the league. But, Diego Simeone's men were not ready to lie down just yet.

Atletico came out strong for the second half, with David Villa hitting the post and and then Diego Godin heading past Jose Pinto from Koke’s corner to put his side level.

Despite their best efforts, and the introduction of a lively Neymar, Barcelona were unable to get the goal they needed - handing the title to Atletico.

The final whistle was met by jubilant scenes by the Atleti staff and players, not to mention the 500 odd traveling fans. Even the Barcelona faithful joined in the applause for the team that have defied expectations this season.

The draw at the Nou Camp saw them win their first La Liga crown since the 1995-96 season, when manager Diego Simeone was playing in their red and white stripes.

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