After one of the tightest and most exciting title races in Spanish history, Atletico Madrid was crowned La Liga champion Saturday. The club's resurgence can largely be attributed to coach Diego Simeone.
A new reign in Spain —
After one of the tightest and most exciting title races in Spanish history, Atletico Madrid was crowned La Liga champion Saturday. The club's resurgence can largely be attributed to coach Diego Simeone.
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Both Barcelona and Atletico knew that victory would earn them the championship. Here a fan shows off a ticket for the title decider at Barca's Nou Camp.
The golden ticket —
Both Barcelona and Atletico knew that victory would earn them the championship. Here a fan shows off a ticket for the title decider at Barca's Nou Camp.
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Ateltico Madrid warmed up in front of a partisan home crowd. While more than 90,000 Catalans were in the Nou Camp, less than 500 tickets were given to Atletico fans.
The pressure is on —
Ateltico Madrid warmed up in front of a partisan home crowd. While more than 90,000 Catalans were in the Nou Camp, less than 500 tickets were given to Atletico fans.
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Alexis Sanchez (right) celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Barcelona, raising home hopes of a fifth title in six years.
First blood: Barca —
Alexis Sanchez (right) celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Barcelona, raising home hopes of a fifth title in six years.
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Having gone 1-0 down, Atletico's chances of winning a first title since 1996 appeared slim. Fans watch, rapt, as the match ebbs and flows.
The magic of soccer —
Having gone 1-0 down, Atletico's chances of winning a first title since 1996 appeared slim. Fans watch, rapt, as the match ebbs and flows.
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But Diego Godin scored a second-half equalizer, which was enough to seal Atletico's 10th title overall -- 12 behind Barca and 22 adrift of the record held by city rival Real Madrid.
The golden goal —
But Diego Godin scored a second-half equalizer, which was enough to seal Atletico's 10th title overall -- 12 behind Barca and 22 adrift of the record held by city rival Real Madrid.
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A jubilant Simeone was thrown in the air by his players following the 1-1 draw.
Victory bumps —
A jubilant Simeone was thrown in the air by his players following the 1-1 draw.
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Atletico's players, staff and family members pose for the cameras following a dramatic denouement to the La Liga season.
The underdogs celebrate —
Atletico's players, staff and family members pose for the cameras following a dramatic denouement to the La Liga season.
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The worry and the waiting is over: Atletico fans celebrate in Madrid's Neptuno Square.
Red letter day —
The worry and the waiting is over: Atletico fans celebrate in Madrid's Neptuno Square.
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Now attention turns to the UEFA Champions League final next weekend, where Atletico will play Real in a Madrid derby.
Derby day —
Now attention turns to the UEFA Champions League final next weekend, where Atletico will play Real in a Madrid derby.
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For Barcelona, the future is less certain. Star player Lionel Messi agreed a new contract before the Atletico game, but a new coach will need to revamp an aging squad.
New era for Barca —
For Barcelona, the future is less certain. Star player Lionel Messi agreed a new contract before the Atletico game, but a new coach will need to revamp an aging squad.
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Messi's fellow Argentine Gerardo "Tata" Martino quit after just one season in charge at the Nou Camp, and is expected to be replaced by former Barcelona star Luis Enrique.
Martino departs —
Messi's fellow Argentine Gerardo "Tata" Martino quit after just one season in charge at the Nou Camp, and is expected to be replaced by former Barcelona star Luis Enrique.
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