Higuaín heroics secure title for Madrid

Ten-man Real Madrid CF scored twice in the final two minutes to defeat CA Osasuna 2-1 and secure the Primera División title, while FC Barcelona hit Valencia CF for six.

Late drama
Needing three points to secure their 31st championship due to Villarreal CF's earlier 2-0 defeat of Getafe CF, Madrid's evening started to unravel when Fabio Cannavaro was sent off in the 46th minute after receiving a second caution. Patxi Puñal's 83rd-minute penalty for Osasuna then looked like keeping the championship live for at least another round of matches, until substitute Gonzalo Higuaín first teed up Arjen Robben (88) before driving in the winner himself moments later.

Rampant Barça
Two first-half goals from Nihat Kahveci had given El Submarino Amarillo victory against Getafe while third-placed Barcelona swept a beleaguered Valencia aside at Camp Nou. Despite being knocked out of the UEFA Champions League in midweek by Manchester United FC, Frank Rijkaard’s team showed no signs of a hangover by scoring three times in each half. Lionel Messi (6) and Xavi Hernández (8) laid the early foundations for the points, before Thierry Henry and Bojan Krkić scored two apiece to complete the rout.

Murcia relegated
Meanwhile, Real Murcia CF squandered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at Real Racing Club Santander and will join Levante UD – who drew 1-1 against RCD Espanyol – in the second tier next season. Racing are two points behind fourth-placed Club Atlético de Madrid, while one point and one place further back are Sevilla FC, who overcame Real Valladolid CF 2-0 at home. UD Almería were held 1-1 by Real Betis Balompié, while RCD Mallorca recorded a 2-1 win at Athletic Club Bilbao.