As he bid his fans farewell at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema scored from the penalty spot to win his team a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao.
After 14 years at the club, Benzema announced earlier in the day that he would be leaving this summer. He received a standing ovation as he was replaced after rolling his penalty down the centre to tie the game.
After Diego Simeone’s team tied 2-2 at Villarreal, the draw meant Real Madrid would finish ahead of city rivals Atletico Madrid in second place.
Carlo Ancelotti, coach of Real Madrid, said, “I don’t think it’s been a cold goodbye, the club will prepare an event in the coming days – you have to take into account Karim’s temperament, somewhat coy.”
“He told me he was going when I spoke with him this morning. He made the choice, and I assured him I fully respected it.
Ancelotti said that Benzema’s choice was unexpected after the Italian revealed on Saturday that he thought the attacker would decide to stay.
The coach said, “I have coached one of the best in the world, not a forward, a complete footballer.
“A really amiable, modest, and serious individual. Although we cannot support his decision, we must respect it. He has made history and left an imprint at this club.
Athletic were the superior squad, and the only thing keeping his team equal at halftime was an incredible penalty save by Thibaut Courtois to stop Mikel Vesga.
Early in the second half, Oihan Sancet gave the visitors the lead with a goal, but Benzema scored from the penalty spot after a soft penalty was awarded for a foul on Eder Militao.
The 35-year-old scored his 354th goal in as many games in the Spanish city following his 2009 transfer from Lyon.
Benzema, who has won four times in La Liga and five times in the Champions League, is destined to play in Saudi Arabia, where former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo has relocated.
After being racially taunted by Valencia fans, Vinicius Junior made his first appearance for Real Madrid, sparking outrage and solidarity worldwide.
At the conclusion of the game, the Madrid team members gave the departing players a hearty send-off by throwing them into the air, including Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard.
Courtois told Movistar, “It’s been a pleasure for me to play with (Benzema), he’s a terrific player, a legend.
“It’s unfortunate that he’s leaving, but he has earned the right to select his own path.”
Madrid had a dismal season; while they won the Copa del Rey, Manchester City was soundly defeated in the Champions League semifinals and finished at least ten points behind champions Barcelona.
Missing the mark
After a strong second half of the season, Atletico Madrid had hoped to finish ahead of their opponents, but their tie insured that they placed a point behind Ancelotti’s team.
Antoine Griezmann assisted Angel Correa in scoring twice, but Nicolas Jackson and Jorge Pascual’s late goal gave Villarreal a point.
After defeating Girona 2-1, Osasuna moved ahead of Athletic and earned a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League for the next season.
The Copa del Rey runners-up were able to enjoy their successful campaign with fans at El Sadar thanks to a brace from Ante Budimir.
Real Sociedad, which finished fourth, celebrated with a victory at San Sebastian after Sevilla, the Europa League champions, were defeated there by a score of 2-1.
