Though he failed to score against Mallorca, Van Nistelrooy carried off the top scorer's award in Spain, and declared: "Everyone, the fans, have been superb. We are already champions, it is something incredible. It was very difficult to win the Liga but, in the end, we have done it.

"Now we all are very happy. I believe that this is the best year of my life: Pichichi and Liga champions."

Robinho said: "We suffered a lot tonight, but we have won. It is a great joy. It's my first title in the shirt of Madrid! But I hope that there's more to come.

"We had to work very hard throughout the game. Most important is that we did not throw in the towel."

Two-goal hero Joe Reyes chimed in: "I have made Madrid champions of Spain and I am delighted because that's why I came here. It's my greatest night."