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Inter, Barca and United crowned champions

Posted by Mark Stokes May 18, 2009 03:11 PM

It was coronation time all across Europe this weekend, as kings were crowned in Italy, Spain and England.

Inter Milan celebrated another Serie A title with a 3-0 victory at home to Siena on Sunday evening. The Nerazzuri had been crowned champions on Saturday night after closest challengers and city rivals AC Milan went down 2-0 at Udinese.

But any thoughts that Jose Mourinho’s outfit would take their foot off the gas were dispelled as goals from Argentina’s Esteban Cambiasso, and Mario Balotelli and Zlatan Ibrahimovic secured the win.

Milan's hold on second place was strengthened as Juventus could only manage a 2-2 home draw with Atalanta.

SPAIN

In Spain there were wild celebrations in Catalonia on Saturday night after Real Madrid fell to a 3-2 defeat at Villareal, a result which handed the title to Barcelona.

But the Champions League finalists’ celebrations fell flat on Sunday as they surrendered a one-goal advantage to slip to a 2-1 defeat at Real Mallorca.

Samuel Eto'o netted after ten minutes to set the expected tone, but from there on it was a disappointing day for both player and club, as the striker missed a hatful of chances -- including a last-gasp penalty.

At the other end a fine strike from the impressive Juan Arango, who may be on his way to the Nou Camp next term, and a deft Loureiro Santana header sealed the points for the hosts.

Twenty-four hours earlier, two-time reigning champions Real Madrid relinquished their crown after slumping to defeat on the south coast.

Lying eight points behind pacesetters Barca with three games remaining, Madrid needed to defeat Villareal at El Madrigal to keep the title race alive.

But goals from Robert Pires, Ruben Cani and Joan Capdevila cancelled out efforts from Madrid duo Rafael Van der Vaart and Gonzalo Higuain to give the Yellow Submarine a much-needed boost in their hunt for a Champions League spot and hand Barca the title.

ENGLAND

Manchester United gained the point that was expected of them as Arsenal visited Old Trafford on Saturday, thereby retaining the Premier League trophy and lifting England’s top club prize for a record-equaling 18th time.

The Red Devils now share the honor of most successful domestic club with Liverpool, who amazingly, have not won the Premiership since its inception in the early 90’s. United’s title victory came at an apparent cost however as star man and Argentinean international Carlos Tevez declared he was leaving United.

Tevez has apparently not seen eye to eye with coach Alex Ferguson, and just hours after the red half of the city of Manchester celebrated, the little maestro said he would be leaving -- and possibly heading to one of United’s arch-rivals, Manchester City or Liverpool.

The Merseysiders defeated West Brom on Sunday to send the Baggies crashing down a division and remain in second place. Chelsea enjoyed success in their penultimate outing -- a 2-0 success at home to Blackburn -- and remain third.

The distinct possibility, sad as it may be, exists that world famous club, Newcastle, will be relegated next Sunday, the last day of play in the Premier League.

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