La Liga 2016–17 Season Review: Real Madrid's 33rd Title
The 2016–17 La Liga campaign, spanning from August 20, 2016, to May 21, 2017, was a showcase of elite Spanish football characterized by high-scoring matches and a fierce battle for dominance. The season culminated in Real Madrid securing their 33rd league title, marking a period of significant success for the club under the guidance of Zinedine Zidane.
Throughout the 380 matches played, the league witnessed a total of 1,118 goals, averaging 2.94 goals per game. While Real Madrid claimed the trophy, the season was also defined by the individual brilliance of Lionel Messi and the defensive resilience of Jan Oblak.
Key Facts
- Champions: Real Madrid (33rd title)
- Top Goalscorer: Lionel Messi with 37 goals
- Best Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak (0.72 goals conceded per match)
- Relegated Teams: Sporting Gijón, Osasuna, and Granada
- Highest Attendance: 95,961 (Barcelona vs. Real Madrid)
- Total Attendance: 10,557,782 spectators
League Performance and Standings
Real Madrid finished the season at the top of the table with 93 points, recording 29 wins, 6 draws, and only 3 losses. Barcelona followed closely in second place with 90 points, boasting the most potent offense in the league with 116 goals scored.
The race for European qualification remained competitive, with Atlético Madrid and Sevilla rounding out the top four to secure Champions League spots. Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Granada suffered the most difficult campaign, enduring a losing run of 8 matches and conceding 82 goals.
European Qualification Summary
The performance in the domestic league determined the Spanish representatives in Europe's most prestigious competitions:
- Champions League: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Sevilla.
- Europa League: Villarreal, Real Sociedad, and Athletic Bilbao.
Individual Brilliance and Awards
The 2016–17 season was a year of record-breaking individual performances. Lionel Messi was named the Best Player, leading the scoring charts with 37 goals. His teammate Luis Suárez also excelled, finishing second in goals (29) and leading the league in assists with 13.
Defensively, Jan Oblak of Atlético Madrid earned the Zamora Trophy (awarded to the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-to-games ratio), conceding only 21 goals in 29 matches. In the managerial department, José Luis Mendilibar of Eibar and Asier Garitano of Leganés were recognized as the Best Coaches.
Season Statistics and Highlights
The season featured several dramatic results and statistical anomalies. The highest-scoring match was a thrilling 6–4 victory for Sevilla over Espanyol. Barcelona demonstrated incredible consistency, holding the longest winning run (7 matches) and the longest unbeaten run (19 matches) of the season.
In contrast, Osasuna struggled significantly, enduring a 21-match winless streak. The league also saw a wide disparity in attendance, ranging from a low of 3,576 at Eibar's match against Valencia to nearly 96,000 for the Clásico.
2016–17 La Liga Summary Table
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 380 |
| Total Goals | 1,118 |
| Biggest Home Win | Atlético Madrid 7–1 Granada / Barcelona 7–1 Osasuna |
| Biggest Away Win | Alavés 0–6 Barcelona |
| Average Attendance | 27,859 |
| Most Yellow Cards (Club) | Alavés (121) |
| Fewest Red Cards (Club) | Barcelona (1) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the La Liga title in the 2016–17 season?
Real Madrid won the championship, securing their 33rd league title.
Which player scored the most goals during the season?
Lionel Messi was the top goalscorer with a total of 37 goals for Barcelona.
Which teams were relegated to the Segunda División?
Sporting Gijón, Osasuna, and Granada were the three teams relegated at the end of the season.
Who won the Zamora Trophy for best goalkeeper?
Jan Oblak of Atlético Madrid won the trophy with an average of 0.72 goals conceded per match.
What was the highest attendance recorded in a single match?
The highest attendance was 95,961 for the match between Barcelona and Real Madrid on December 3, 2016.