England
Manchester City took a major stride towards winning their first league title since 1967/68 by posting a 2-0 victory at Newcastle United FC, Yaya Touré scoring twice. That kept them ahead of Manchester United FC – 2-0 victors against Swansea City AFC – on goal difference with one game left this term. "I am excited because we're on the top, but it's not enough," commented City manager Roberto Mancini. "One week more and if we play like we did today, we have every chance of winning." There was joy for UEFA Champions League finalists Chelsea FC too as they edged Liverpool FC 2-1 in the FA Cup showpiece, Ramires and Didier Drogba scoring for the winners.
Spain
With the destiny of the Liga title decided, Josep Guardiola fell under the spotlight as he celebrated his final home game in charge of FC Barcelona. And his side provided a fitting tribute as Lionel Messi attempted to steal the attention by scoring each goal in their 4-0 triumph against RCD Espanyol to take his Liga tally to 50. "Lionel has hogged the limelight all season; I can't be jealous," said Guardiola. "I hope that in the future he continues doing as well." Meanwhile, champions Real Madrid FC came from behind to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory at Granada CF.
Italy
Following nine years in the wilderness, Juventus reinstated themselves among the elite of Italian football by securing their 28th Serie A title. Mirko Vučinić's first-half strike complemented Michele Canini's own goal as Antonio Conte's side cruised to a 2-0 victory against Cagliari Calcio. "It's a fantastic feeling, a great joy after a wonderful year and an extraordinary season," said Conte. "The lads fully deserved this Scudetto and so do our great fans." Milan surrendered their title after a dramatic 4-2 defeat against arch-rivals FC Internazionale Milano. Diego Milito's solitary strike settled the season's first Derby della Madonnina and the predatory striker proved Milan's nemesis once more by scoring his third hat-trick of the season.
Germany
Champions Borussia Dortmund ended the Bundesliga season on a high as they signed off with a 4-0 defeat of SC Freiburg to end with a record 81 points, eight more than FC Bayern München, who consigned 1. FC Köln to relegation with a 4-1 away success. "This has crowned our season," said Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp. "If we look back in 30 years, we can do so knowing that, so far, no other club has earned more points." Klaas-Jan Huntelaar finished top scorer with 29 strikes, two coming in FC Schalke 04's 3-2 win at SV Werder Bremen, while Hannover 96 secured seventh spot and a UEFA Europa League qualifying berth by downing 1. FC Kaiserslautern 2-1.
France
Paris Saint-Germain FC had to come back from two goals down to keep their Ligue 1 title hopes intact as they eked out a 4-3 success at Valenciennes FC, a result that took them ahead of Montpellier Hérault SC on goal difference – though their rivals boast a game in hand and visit Stade Rennais FC on Monday. "It was difficult at the start, but we came back quickly and never let go," said PSG goalscorer Nenê. "We really enjoyed ourselves playing and this was a huge win." There was frustration for Olympique Lyonnais, on the other hand, as their 1-1 draw with Stade Brestois 29 left them eight points shy of LOSC Lille Métropole in the final UEFA Champions League spot with three games to go.
Elsewhere
RSC Anderlecht are celebrating their 31st Belgian title after Guillaume Gillet's last-gasp penalty earned a decisive 1-1 draw with Club Brugge KV, their nearest challengers. Title euphoria is taking grip for WKS Śląsk Wroclaw as well thanks to their 1-0 win against Wisła Kraków on the final day of the Polish season, while AEL Limassol FC clinched their first Cypriot crown in 44 years. On the knockout front, FC Shakhtar Donetsk downed FC Metalurh Donetsk 2-1 to secure the Ukrainian Cup, Linfield FC lifted the Northern Irish Cup to seal their sixth domestic double in seven years and The New Saints FC completed the double in Wales.
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