Luis Suárez went emotional after Atlético Madrid survived a dramatic final round to clinch its first Spanish league title since 2014 with a 2-1 come-from-behind win at Valladolid on Saturday.
A viral video showed Suárez shedding tears of joy following the victory.
This is what it meant to Luis Suarez ❤️pic.twitter.com/t38iiD9HLd
— Goal (@goal) May 22, 2021
While reacting to the triumph, Suárez recalled how his services were undervalued in Barcelona.
His words: “Barcelona didn’t value me… they underestimated me and Atletico opened their doors to give me an opportunity. I will always be grateful to this club for trusting in me”.
Luis Suárez scored the winner for Atlético as it beat Real Madrid for the title in a wild finish that had plenty of twists with the two remaining title contenders playing at the same time.
Madrid couldn’t repeat as champion despite rallying to defeat Villarreal 2-1 at home.
The results left Atlético two points in front of Madrid at the end of the 38-round season, giving Diego Simeone’s team its second league title in 25 years. Atlético’s previous league title was in 1996, when Simeone still played for the club.
Atlético’s 11th league title ended a seven-year dominance by Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain. Since 2014, Barcelona had won the league four times and Madrid twice, including last season.
Real Madrid was trying to win back-to-back league trophies for the first time since 2007-08.
Barcelona was out of contention entering the final round.