Deportivo de La Coruna vs. Real Madrid: Score, Reaction from 2016 La Liga Game

Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid missed out on winning La Liga despite beating Deportivo de La Coruna 2-0 at the Riazor on Saturday. Ronaldo bagged a first-half brace before making way at the break, but Los Blancos finished a point behind champions Barcelona in second place.

Barca retained the title after winning 3-0 in Granada at the same time Real sealed their victory.

In addition to his two goals, Ronaldo had two more efforts thwarted by the woodwork in the opening 45 minutes. But he didn't just settle for second in the title race, as the Portuguese star also finished behind Barca's Luis Suarez in the race for the Pichichi, awarded to La Liga's top scorer, per WhoScored.com.

Real manager Zinedine Zidane fielded his strongest possible starting XI, which meant a start for wide forward Gareth Bale, per Sky Sports' Revista de La Liga:

Meanwhile, Depor's bid for goals was reliant on Lucas Perez up top, per the club's official site:

It took Ronaldo less than seven minutes to open his account and temporarily put Los Blancos top of the table. He reacted quickest to tap in from inside the box after decent work from fellow attackers Bale and Karim Benzema.

The goal not only gave Real a priceless lead, but it also marked a moment of history for Ronaldo, according to Sky Sports Statto:

Ronaldo helped double Los Merengues' lead on 25 minutes when his header deflected in from close range. But the prolific No. 7 was denied another goal when his prodded, angled effort struck the inside of the post and somehow stayed out.

Ronaldo soon went close again when he cannoned a left-foot shot off the bar.

These were uncharacteristic misses, but Ronaldo was applying pressure to Suarez in the race for the Pichichi. In fact, football writer Dermot Corrigan couldn't keep up with this personal duel:

There was no need to track Deportivo's attacking threat, since the hosts mustered so little going forward in the first half. There was 35 minutes gone when Real goalkeeper Keylor Navas was first called into action, as he had to dive in response to a Fede Cartabia shot.

News of two goals for Suarez in Granada, which all but clinched Barca the title, perhaps contributed to a rather flat end to the opening half. The pace slowed while Real ambled as if they knew hope was gone.

It's a feeling that appeared obvious among travelling fans, according to AS:

With one eye on the upcoming UEFA Champions League final against Atletico Madrid, Zidane took Ronaldo off at the break and introduced James Rodriguez. He also brought on Isco in place of midfield playmaker Toni Kroos later in the half.

In between, Perez again worked Navas, forcing him into a save after a snap shot on the turn. Cartabia continued to be a nuisance from the right, later setting up Sidnei with a chance that deflected wide.

But Real's substitutes soon turned on the style. James had a goal ruled out for offside when he appeared on, while Isco produced some wonderfully intelligent touches and one-two combinations in and around the box.

David Ramos/Getty Images

To be really safe ahead of meeting Atleti, Zidane brought Jese Rodriguez off the bench to replace Bale. The substitute made a strong run in front of the box before teeing up James, who curled a shot just wide.

A strong close to the season further endorsed the fine work Zidane has done since succeeding Rafa Benitez as manager, but a second-placed finish can't mask a fourth straight year without the league title for Los Blancos.

Post-Match Reaction

Lalo R. Villar/Associated Press

Zidane said he was proud of his players despite their near miss in the title race, though he did concede Barca were worthy winners, per AS (h/t Football-Espana.net): "We have to rest, and I'm very proud of everyone in this team. After 38 games, we can't change that Barca are champions. They deserve La Liga, but to my players, chapeau."

Zidane also explained why he withdrew Ronaldo at the half, and he detailed Bale's best fit in the team: "Ronaldo has a heavy blow to the foot.

"Bale? He started on the right, and Cristiano on the left, and then they moved around. The idea is he plays on the right where he's comfortable."

Zidane knows he'll need both forwards fit and firing in the Champions League: "We're fortunate to have the Champions League final, and we need to rest and prepare well for it. We're a little disappointed after the effort we made. Now we think only of Milan. The plan is to rest first and then work. We have time."

The only compensation for again losing out to bitter enemy Barcelona domestically can come from winning an 11th European Cup. The Champions League final against Atletico Madrid is set for May 28.