Messi goal gives Barca title as Ronaldo scores hat-trick in Real's 4-1 win over Espanyol

 

Lionel Messi's goal gave Barcelona their 23rd Spanish title as they beat Atletico Madrid in La Liga. Messi's 41st league goal of the season ensured that Real Madrid will finish second - despite Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick against Espanyol.

 

With one game left Barca hold a four-point lead ahead of rivals Real.

Luis Enrique's men, chasing a treble, face Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish cup on 30 May, before playing Juventus in the Champions League final on 6 June. 

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his seventh hat-trick of the season to give Real Madrid victory at Espanyol.

 

Ronaldo fired low under Kiko Casilla to make it 1-0 but Espanyol equalised through Cristhian Stuani after an error from Madrid keeper Keylor Navas. 

Marcelo made it 2-1 with a firm drive before Ronaldo added the third from 12 yards. The Portugal star then headed in his third from James Rodriguez's cross. 

Los Blancos did their bit but they needed a favour from neighbours Atletico Madrid, which never came.

Ronaldo's treble took his tally for the season to 45 in La Liga - four ahead of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, who hit the winner for his club.

BBCSport