2016-17 La Liga Season: Standings, Key Players, and Champions League Implications

The Race to the Top

The 2016-17 La Liga season was a closely contested battle for the title, with Real Madrid ultimately emerging victorious. The top four teams in the standings qualified for the Champions League, while the fifth-placed team earned a spot in the Europa League.

Key Players

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

The Portuguese forward was once again the league's leading scorer, netting 42 goals in 38 appearances. He was instrumental in Real Madrid's title triumph.

Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

The Argentine maestro scored 37 goals in 34 appearances, but it wasn't enough to lead Barcelona to the title. Nonetheless, he remained one of the most dangerous players in the league.

Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid)

The French forward scored 26 goals in 36 appearances, helping Atlético Madrid finish third in the standings. He was one of the most in-demand players in the league at the time.

Champions League Implications

The top four teams in the standings qualified for the Champions League: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Sevilla. The fifth-placed team, Villarreal, qualified for the Europa League.

The Champions League places were determined by the following criteria:

• Points
• Head-to-head record
• Goal difference
• Goals scored

The 2016-17 La Liga season was one of the most exciting in recent memory, with Real Madrid ultimately emerging victorious. The top four teams in the standings qualified for the Champions League, while the fifth-placed team earned a spot in the Europa League.