Zidane's gritty Galacticos the Real deal

Madrid's never-say-die attitude and manager's bold squad rotation prove crucial in bumping Barcelona off its domestic perch

MADRID - Zinedine Zidane's transformation of Real Madrid from crisis club to champion has been rooted not in the glamor of relying purely on 'Galactico' talent but fostering a team spirit and never-say-die attitude.

Madrid sealed a first La Liga title in five years on Sunday - and 33rd in total - with a 2-0 victory at Malaga, courtesy of goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, halting Barcelona's dominance of domestic matters. The Catalans have won six of the previous eight titles.