Real Madrid have won their 32nd La Liga title after a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao gave them an unassailable lead over Barcelona.

The visitors piled the pressure on the Europa League finalists from the off, Gonzalo Higuain being denied by Iraizoz before Fabio Coentrao had his fierce shot palmed away.

Madrid were awarded a penalty after just 13 minutes when Javi Martinez was adjudged to handle in the box. Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up and attempted a cheeky dink down the middle, only to see his spot kick saved by the legs of Iraizoz.

They didn't have to wait long for the opening goal, however, as Higuain fired Los Blancos ahead after intricate passing between himself, Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil.

Bilbao looked for an immediate response and had a strong penalty appeal of their own turned down just a minute after going behind.

Madrid looked in the mood to score goals, however, and their lead was doubled after 20 minutes when Ronaldo's pass across goal was converted by Ozil.

The hosts almost got a goal back before half time when Aurtenetxe's shot was saved and the deflected follow-up hit Iker Casillas's crossbar. Minutes later it was the visitors' turn to hit the bar through Ozil's 25-yard strike.

Madrid got their third six minutes after the restart when Xabi Alonso's corner found an unmarked Ronaldo, who made no mistake with his header.

Bilbao refused to capitulate, however, and struck the woodwork again through a long-range Oscar De Marcos strike.

Any faint hopes of an unlikely comeback were extinguished with 20 minutes to go as Martinez handled the ball again and was shown his second yellow card.

The result clinches the title for Real Madrid, their first since 2008, while Bilbao missed the chance to move into the top six, remaining in eighth.