Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has congratulated Barcelona on winning La Liga.

Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw away to Espanyol on Saturday evening and are now seven points behind Barca with just two games left to play.

Tito Vilanova's side also have two games in hand over their fierce domestic rivals and Mourinho has praised the new champions.

"First of all, I want to congratulate Barcelona, their coaches, their players, their fans," Mourinho told reporters after the game.

"I think the logical thing to do is congratulate them. Last year we won and spoke of a great title achieved, and now I think it makes sense and is the least we can do to give due importance to their achievement."

Barca play Atletico Madrid this evening.