The subject of the historic rivalry between Spanish football's two biggest clubs has come back to the fore on Saturday, on the back of the La Liga title race being brought to its inevitable close.
Real Madrid, of course, had long positioned themselves as runaway favourites for the Spanish top-flight title, amid a campaign which has seen both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid fail to perform over lengthy stretches.
In turn, heading into the club's showdown with Espanyol this afternoon, Los Blancos were aware that anything but a defeat would ensure the latest addition to the club's bulging trophy cabinet.
And, when all was said and done on Saturday, not only did Carlo Ancelotti's troops avoid defeat, but they went on to bag all three points, in style.
After a first-half Rodrygo brace set Real on their way to a comfortable victory, further strikes on the part of Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema capped off a memorable afternoon's work for all associated with the club.
The 2021/22 La Liga champions - Real Madrid.
Barca trail
As showcased in Los Merengues' social media posts celebrating their latest crown on the back of the action coming to a close at the Bernabeu on Saturday, Real have now racked up an eye-watering 35 La Liga titles.
Amid an altogether underwhelming campaign for Clasico rivals Barcelona, though, just how far clear of the Blaugrana have the capital giants now moved when it comes to the most successful clubs in Spanish football history?
In terms of league titles alone, some way clear.
Barca now trail Real by a full nine La Liga titles, albeit whilst boasting a nevertheless impressive 26.
The gap between the two Spanish heavyweights is altogether less considerable when taking into account overall trophies accrued, but Real, again, sit clear at the summit, with 92 to Barcelona's 90.
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