Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has paid tribute to his team after running Barcelona close for the La Liga title.
Eleven straight wins left the Madrid giants in with a chance of snatching the La Liga crown on the final weekend of the season, but Barcelona beat Granada 3-0 in Andalusia to claim the trophy by a single point.
Real Madrid finished their league season with a 2-0 win at Deportivo La Coruna, and Zidane has claimed that he is "proud" of his side, who will face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final later this month.
"I'm happy and proud of what we have done. We had difficulties but we never lowered our arms, we fought to the end. That was the message to the squad," Zidane told AS.
"We have to rest and I'm very proud of everyone in this team. After 38 games we can't change that Barca are champions. They deserve La Liga, but to my players, chapeau.
"We're fortunate to have the Champions League final and we need to rest and prepare well for it. We're a little disappointed after the effort we made. Now we think only of Milan. The plan is to rest first and then work. We have time."
Real Madrid will go in search of their 11th European Cup when they take on Atletico in Milan on May 28.
Matt Law
