It was a huge weekend in Italy and Spain as both Inter Milan and Barcelona clinched their respective leagues on saturday.
Inter Milan players were so excited by clinching the Italian title that they took an impromptu open top bus to the city centre in the early hours of Sunday morning. AC Milan’s 2-1 defeat at Udinese on Saturday handed Inter their 17th scudetto and fourth in a row.
Inter, who still have three games left to play, were supposed to celebrate at their training ground but made a late decision to take a bus to Piazza Duomo, the city’s main square, where thousands of flag-waving fans were waiting.
Coach Jose Mourinho, in his first season in charge, was humbled by the success.
“It is thanks to everyone. The staff, coaches … even the cleaning lady who works in the shadows,” the Portuguese, who also won league titles with Porto and Chelsea, told reporters. In the history of Inter many others have done better than me and I understand soccer, I know that without results there is not this passion so I have to continue on this path to stay in the hearts of these people.”
In Spain Barcelona secured the title after Real Madrid lost 3-2 at Villarreal. With the news of Madrid’s loss about 15,000 supporters gathered at the city’s Canaletes fountain on Las Ramblas avenue, the traditional site for celebrating the club’s title wins.
This was Barcelona’s 19th Spanish league title and it was also their second trophy inside four days, following their Kings Cup win over Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, as they notched a league and cup double for the first time since 1998.
The Catalan giants can become the first Spanish side to win the treble if they can overcome Manchester United in the Champions League final in Rome on May 27.
“Our arch rivals are champions and we have to congratulate them,” said Real defender Sergio Ramos. “It has been difficult preparing for these past few matches as we knew it would be difficult to do anything as they had such an advantage.”