Real Madrid drew Athletic Club Bilbao 1-1 on the last date of La Liga, which was the farewell match for Karim Benzema after 14 years and 25 titles with Real Madrid. In the match Marco Asensio also played 20 minutes in what was also his farewell game.
Benzema started with Vinícius Jr and Rodrygo against Bilbao in a game that was a full house at the Santiago Bernabéu and that it represented the end of an era for the French striker.
Bernabéu fans applauded every time the ball passed the Frenchman’s feet. Bilbao played with a lot of energy and forced a penalty in the first 15 minutes. Courtois did not want to ruin Benzema’s farewell and stopped the charge to keep it 0-0.
The second half began in the same vein, although Athletic took advantage of a failure in the Merengue defense and took the lead with a goal from Oihan Sancet in the 49th minute.
Madrid did not want to leave with a defeat in their last game and in a corner play they got a penalty after an elbow to the face of Éder Militao that would charge none other than Karim Benzema.
Karim Benzema took the ball and collected it perfectly to score his 354th goal in the club’s jersey and finish as the second leading scorer in the White House.
After the goal, Carlo Ancelotti decided to change it in order to be applauded by the thousands of fans who witnessed Benzema’s farewell to 14 years at Real Madrid.
Marco Asensio leaves with an ovation
The winger Marco Asensio also came on in the second half in what was his last match for Madrid after 7 years and 15 titles. The midfielder is expected to be one of Paris Saint Germain’s new signings for next season.
Asensio, who came on at minute 58, was replaced at minute 90+2 so the Bernabéu could applaud him as he left the field. The Mallorcan left in tears and hugged Lucas Vázquez, who was the one who replaced him.
Ancelotti decided not to include Mariano Díaz and Hazard in the game, who also finished their time with the Merengue team this season.
Keep reading:
The heartfelt message from Vinícius Jr. after the departure of Karim Benzema from Real Madrid
Official: Karim Benzema leaves Real Madrid after 13 seasons
Farewell day in European football: Real Madrid announced the third casualty of the day and freed Eden Hazard