Benzema Bids Farewell to Real Madrid with Penalty Goal in La Liga Finale against Athletic Bilbao
Karim Benzema, second on Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorers list, marked his final appearance at the Bernabeu with a goal. The 35-year-old striker calmly converted a penalty after Eder Militao was fouled in the box. Real Madrid officially announced Benzema’s departure after 14 years at the club, with reports suggesting a move to Saudi Arabia.
Athletic Bilbao took the lead earlier in the game when Oihan Sancet found the back of the net from close range. Thibaut Courtois, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, made an initial save but was unable to prevent the follow-up shot. Courtois also saved a penalty in the first half, denying Mikel Vesga’s attempt after a handball by Toni Kroos.
In the later stages of the match, Rodrygo missed a golden opportunity to secure a win for Real Madrid, redirecting Vinicius Jr’s low cross over the bar from within the six-yard box.
Despite a relatively quiet performance throughout his final game, Benzema’s penalty, rolled into the middle of the goal, provided a fitting conclusion to his illustrious career in Spain. The French striker’s time on the field came to an end in the 74th minute when he was substituted for Luka Modric, receiving a tremendous ovation from the home crowd.
The departing Marco Asensio, who will also be leaving Real Madrid this summer after an eight-year spell, was similarly celebrated by the fans when he was replaced during stoppage time.
Hazard Unused in Final Real Madrid Match as Season Ends with Second Place Finish
Former Chelsea forward Eden Hazard did not make a farewell appearance in his last match for Real Madrid, remaining on the bench as an unused substitute. Hazard’s departure from the club was confirmed for 30 June.
Real Madrid concluded the season as runners-up, finishing second in the table behind champions Barcelona. Despite not featuring in the final game, Hazard’s time with the club came to an end, marking the closure of his Real Madrid chapter.
