News Focus
- Dani Carvajal sets up the opening goal during his final home appearance for Real Madrid
- David Alaba also bids farewell to supporters after four years with the Spanish giants
- Kylian Mbappe ends month-long goal drought with second-half strike
- Jose Mourinho confirmed to return as manager following Alvaro Arbeloa’s departure
Real Madrid concluded their difficult 2025-26 campaign with a victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, overcoming Athletic Club in a six-goal thriller.
The afternoon served as an emotional farewell to two departing legends. Both Dani Carvajal and David Alaba played their final home matches for the club before their summer exits. Carvajal made an immediate impact on the pitch, threading a perfect through ball to Gonzalo Garcia who lashed home the opener.
Thiago Pitarch then supplied a delicate chipped pass for Jude Bellingham, who thundered a volley into the net to double the advantage. However, Athletic Club struck back just before the break when Gorka Guruzeta found the target with a fine finish.
Kylian Mbappe ended his goal drought six minutes into the second period. The French forward cut inside from Alvaro Carreras’ pass and fired past the keeper, celebrating with head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who is also set to depart the club.
Both Alaba and Carvajal received standing ovations from the crowd when substituted late in the clash. Brahim Diaz added a fourth goal in the 88th minute, while Urko Izeta scored a second consolation for the visitors in stoppage time.
The result offers some comfort after a disappointing season for Los Blancos. Major changes await this summer, with Jose Mourinho confirmed to return to the Bernabeu for a second spell in charge, replacing Arbeloa after 13 years away.