Carlo Ancelotti has paid tribute to Barcelona for winning La Liga, but has suggested that Real Madrid's challenge was "hindered" by injuries.

Los Merengues managed to beat Espanyol 4-1 in Catalunya, but were denied the title after the Blaugrana won 1-0 away to Atletico Madrid to be crowned champions.

Speaking after the game at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat, Ancelotti has claimed that Barca's second half of the campaign was crucial to their success.

"Firstly, congratulations to Barcelona and my colleague Luis Enrique for the title. We did a good first half of the campaign, but the second proved to be more complicated for us," Ancelotti is quoted by Inside Spanish Football as saying.

"The injuries have hindered us, especially [Luka] Modric, but with Isco, James [Rodriguez] and [Toni] Kroos also. The team plays well with this system, but with players missing it doesn't help us in that regard.

"I would have liked to have won the Champions League, but the league as well. We came close and we will try to achieve it next year."

Real were also knocked out of the Champions League by Juventus on Wednesday evening.