Real Madrid’s French ahead Karim Benzema is tossed within the air by teammates on the finish of the Spanish league soccer match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club Bilbao on the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on June 4, 2023.
| Photo Credit: AFP
Real Madrid’s departing nice Karim Benzema struck from the penalty spot to earn his facet a 1-1 draw towards Athletic Bilbao on Sunday in La Liga as he mentioned goodbye to followers on the Santiago Bernabeu.
Elsewhere Real Valladolid have been relegated after a 0-0 draw with Getafe, whereas 5 different sides close to the underside have been in a position to breathe a sigh of aid after a gripping conclusion to the season.
Champions Barcelona have been overwhelmed 2-1 at Celta Vigo, with Gabri Veiga’s brace guaranteeing the Galician facet will stay within the prime flight subsequent season.
Benzema, whom Madrid confirmed would depart this summer time earlier within the day, departing after 14 years on the membership, rolled his penalty down the center to degree the sport, earlier than being substituted to nice applause.
The draw ensured Real Madrid would end above metropolis rivals Atletico Madrid in second place, after Diego Simeone’s facet tied 2-2 at Villarreal on the ultimate day.
“I spoke with him this morning and he told me he was going. He’s taken the decision and I told him I respect it completely,” mentioned Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti mentioned Benzema’s selection got here without warning, after the Italian himself mentioned Saturday he anticipated the ahead to remain.
“I have coached one of the best in the world, not a forward, a complete footballer,” continued the coach.
“A very friendly, humble, serious person. We can’t be happy he is going, but we have to respect his decision. What he has done at this club is legendary and unforgettable.”
Athletic have been the stronger staff and solely a shocking Thibaut Courtois penalty save to disclaim Mikel Vesga stored his staff degree on the break.
Oihan Sancet struck early within the second half to present the guests the lead however Benzema netted from the spot after a smooth penalty was given for a foul on Eder Militao.
It was the 35-year-old’s 354th purpose of a glowing profession within the Spanish capital after his 2009 transfer from Lyon.
Benzema, who has gained 5 Champions League titles and La Liga on 4 events, appears to be set to play in Saudi Arabia, the place former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo has moved.
Vinicius Junior made his first look for Real Madrid since he was racially abused by Valencia followers, inflicting worldwide anger and help for him.
Madrid’s season was a disappointing one — they gained the Copa del Rey however have been overwhelmed closely by Manchester City within the Champions League semi-finals and end 10 factors behind their most bitter rivals, champions Barcelona.
Xavi Hernandez’s facet have been overwhelmed at Balaidos, with Veiga slotting residence within the first half after which including a second from an tried cross which flew in.
Ansu Fati pulled a purpose again for the champions however they might not discover a leveller.
Valladolid couldn’t discover a method via towards Getafe and have been relegated.
“There’s little explanation, the team tried, we tried to make it hard for Getafe but we didn’t do it,” mentioned Valladolid goalkeeper Jordi Masip.
“It’s a huge shame for all the team, all the fans, all the city, I can’t say much more. We needed to score, there was no other way.”
Their last hope would have been a late Espanyol winner towards Almeria, however the Andalusians held on for a 3-3 draw to outlive by some extent in seventeenth place.
Valencia have been one other staff who began the day in peril however they earned a 1-1 draw at Real Betis, who mentioned their very own goodbye to captain Joaquin Sanchez.
The 41-year-old is retiring and made his 622nd look within the prime flight, equalling the all-time report first set by goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta.
“It’s a special day, a beautiful day, when I’m with my people, my family, the club that gave me everyone,” an emotional Joaquin informed Movistar, kissing the Benito Villamarin pitch when he was substituted.
“I am who I am thanks to Real Betis.”
Osasuna beat Girona 2-1 to climb above Athletic and snatch seventh place — qualification to subsequent season’s UEFA Europa Conference League.
Ante Budimir hit a brace for the Copa del Rey runners-up, who have been in a position to rejoice their wonderful season with supporters at El Sadar.
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