Xabi Alonso: There’s a lot of merit in winning La Liga with Barcelona as our rivals

03-May-2012 12:24:00 PM

The holding midfielder acknowledged that Los Blancos' title triumph in the league has been made all the more special after they pipped "a great opponent" in the Blaugrana

Xabi Alonso feels that Real Madrid's title winning 2011-12 campaign is even more valuable because they faced stiff competition from Barcelona throughout the season.

The Santiago Bernabeu side sealed the Liga title by beating Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in San Mames on Wednesday evening, and the Spain international has hailed his team's consistency this term.

"We competed all season with a great opponent like Barcelona, and that’s why there’s so much merit in winning the title before the campaign ends. We have to enjoy it now," Xabi Alonso stated to the official Madrid website.

"We finally managed to win La Liga. It’s been a long season and there’s a lot of merit in winning the title with two games left in the championship. We’ve had a great run. We’ve been regular and consistent.

"The tension and responsibility we've felt all year have been fruitful. We’re all very happy for obtaining success for all Madridistas. I dedicate this to them, and to my family and friends."

Madrid lock horns with Granada and Mallorca in their remaining two league games.