Hala Madrid!!!

And so, as I predicted, and hoped, Real Madrid went on to win their 30th La Liga title yesterday. They won the match just like they won so many of their matches at home this season. Conceding a goal, and then coming back in style. Mallorca scored in the 17th minute after a nice through ball and Fernando Varela had no problem putting it past Casillas. But soon after, Mallorca's keeper had to save a swerving free-kick from Beckham, and Los Merengues started to impose themselves in the game. After a few frustrating minutes, Madrid's late-goal hero, Ruud Van Nistelrooy had to be subbed due to an injury, and the hearts of the Madridista faithful suddenly began to flutter.

And then David Beckham swerved in a brilliant free kick to make it 1-1, and Roberto Carlos appeared out of nowhere to score the second, and Real Madrid won the match.

Of course, that would have been the perfect fairytale ending, but that's not what happened. Capello decided to substitute Beckham and bring on Reyes, the winger on loan from Arsenal. This was, indeed the turning point of the match as Reyes brought Madrid level with his first touch of the ball, and then scored Madrid's 3rd in the 83rd minute with a superb effort out of the box. Diarra scored the decisive goal with a header to take Madrid in front 2-1.

The emotional celebrations afterwards were, of course, nothing short of spectacular, with fireworks and demonstrations on the pitch. Beckham walked the pitch with his 2 sons with an England flag draped around his back. And everywhere, every player was talking about the heart, and spirit, and unity that the team had shown this season. What I would have given to be in Madrid at that moment. A fitting end at Madrid for these two, I'm sure, although I'm not so glad that an SOB like Nistelrooy won a title now.

Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and Victoria Beckham were in the crowd, as was Rafael Nadal. I wonder if Tom and Katie understood the game. Anyway, both of them, as well as Victoria, looked retarded wearing sunglasses for a game being played at night.

And as for me, although I'm completely neutral in the La Liga, I'm glad to see Real Madrid win the title this time. After all the kicking and pushing Henry got from Puyol in the Champions League final last year, and the referee's ability to magically not see Eto'o offside, I laugh on the inside to see the Catalans suffering. I know that Madrid also has their fair share of haters, for their habit of signing huge names for millions of dollars, for their arrogance, and I know a lot of people like Barca more because of their youth system, and the fact that they actually develop some of the players in their team. I know that Barca were very unlucky to not win this year, because they did play the better football and they did score more goals, but that's the beauty of football.....sometimes.....the better team....... does not win!