• Kylian Mbappe scores his first goal in over a month to make it 3-1 for Real Madrid
• Gonzalo Garcia and Jude Bellingham also find the net for Los Blancos in the season finale
• Gorka Guruzeta scores a consolation goal for Athletic Club during first-half stoppage time
• The match marks the final home appearance for veteran defenders Dani Carvajal and David Alaba

Real Madrid have taken a commanding 3-1 lead against Athletic Club in their last match of the 2025-26 campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spanish giants produced an impressive display to delight their home supporters on a special evening.

The hosts opened the scoring after just twelve minutes. Dani Carvajal, who is saying goodbye to the club, delivered a perfect assist for young striker Gonzalo Garcia to slot home the opener. England international Jude Bellingham then doubled the advantage with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area.

Athletic Club refused to give up without a fight. Gorka Guruzeta pulled one back for the visitors deep into first-half stoppage time. However, Real Madrid restored their two-goal cushion shortly after the break.

French superstar Kylian Mbappe ended his frustrating scoring drought to make it 3-1. The forward had not found the back of the net for more than four weeks. He received the ball from Alvaro Carreras and calmly placed a low shot into the far corner of the net.

The victory provides a positive end to a challenging season for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. The match also serves as a farewell to several club legends including Carvajal, David Alaba and Alvaro Arbeloa, who are leaving the Bernabeu this summer.

• 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.

• Dani Carvajal signs off from Real Madrid with a top performance and an assist against Athletic Club
• Real Madrid close their 2025-26 season with a 4-2 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu
• Goals from Gonzalo García, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé and Brahim Díaz seal the win
• David Alaba also makes his final appearance, receiving a warm ovation after 70 minutes
• Youngster Gonzalo García shines with a goal and two assists on a memorable night

Real Madrid ended their 2025-26 campaign with an exciting 4-2 win against Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday evening. The match marked the end of an era for Los Blancos as two long-serving players said goodbye to the club.

Dani Carvajal captained the side for his final appearance and put on a brilliant show. The right-back set up Gonzalo García for the opening goal with a superb pass. The crowd gave him a loud standing ovation when he left the pitch late in the game.

David Alaba also played his last match for the club. The defender spent 70 minutes on the pitch before coming off to thunderous applause from the home fans.

On the pitch, Jude Bellingham scored a stunning volley in the first half after a clever setup from García. The English midfielder has shown excellent form in recent weeks. Kylian Mbappé also found the net, ending a short goal drought before the World Cup.

Gonzalo García enjoyed his best game for the senior team. The young forward scored the first goal and later provided assists for both Bellingham and Brahim Díaz. Brahim added the fourth goal late in the match to confirm the victory.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti gave minutes to several other players. Arda Güler returned from injury as he prepares for international duty. Endrick and Dani Ceballos also featured in the emotional final fixture of the season.

• Dani Carvajal makes his final appearance for Real Madrid in a 4-2 victory over Athletic Club
• The Spanish right-back provides an assist during his farewell match at the Santiago Bernabeu
• Carvajal breaks down in tears while delivering a speech to supporters after the final whistle
• His contract expires next month, ending his successful career with the Spanish giants
• The defender expresses hope to return to the club in a different role following his retirement

Dani Carvajal said goodbye to Real Madrid in an emotional ceremony on Sunday evening. The veteran defender played his final match for the club during their 4-2 win against Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 34-year-old Spaniard marked his farewell appearance with an assist. He set up one of the goals in a fine performance for Los Blancos.

After the match, Carvajal addressed the crowd from the centre of the pitch. He broke down in tears while speaking to the Madrid supporters. The full-back thanked club president Florentino Perez for his loyalty. He recalled how Perez renewed his contract less than 24 hours after he suffered a serious knee injury.

Carvajal also praised his teammates during his speech. He admitted the past two seasons have been difficult. However, he remains confident that the team will win trophies again soon. The defender spoke about the club’s golden era. He mentioned winning four Champions League titles in five years and La Décima. He also named legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Carlo Ancelotti, and Zinedine Zidane.

“This is Real Madrid and we have to get back up,” Carvajal told the fans. “Our history demands it.”

Speaking to the club’s television channel later, the player shared his hope to return to Madrid in the future. He described seeing a special banner (tifo) made for him and hearing the crowd’s applause. These moments made him very emotional.

“I hope to come back to what is my home,” he said. “I want to help this club in a different capacity.”

Carvajal leaves Madrid after more than a decade of service. He won multiple Champions League titles and domestic honours during his time at the Bernabeu.

• Dani Carvajal prepares for emotional Santiago Bernabeu farewell against Athletic Club this Saturday
• New manager Jose Mourinho reportedly identifies Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot as his preferred target
• Club considers promoting academy defenders Jesus Fortea or David Jimenez to save funds
• Real Madrid prioritising centre-back and midfield signings over expensive right-back deals

Real Madrid must solve a defensive puzzle this summer as they search for a new right-back following the exit of club captain Dani Carvajal. The 34-year-old will leave Los Blancos when his contract ends, making Saturday’s clash against Athletic Club his final appearance at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Carvajal was meant to compete with Trent Alexander-Arnold for the starting spot this season. However, both players struggled with fitness problems throughout the campaign. Midfielder Fede Valverde often filled in at right-back during their absence. Although both defenders recovered in the second half of the season, the captain featured rarely.

Reports suggest Jose Mourinho has agreed to become the new manager. According to Sport, the Portuguese coach wants to sign Diogo Dalot from Manchester United. Mourinho worked with the 27-year-old during his spell at Old Trafford. Dalot’s contract runs until 2028, meaning United will demand a fee for the versatile defender.

However, Diario AS claims the club prefers cheaper solutions. They plan to spend big on a centre-back and a central midfielder instead. Therefore, they are looking at academy products Jesus Fortea, 19, and David Jimenez, 21. Both could serve as backup to Alexander-Arnold next term.

Fortea seeks regular senior football and has drawn interest from Como. Jimenez impressed during brief cameos in February, starting ahead of Carvajal on one occasion. Mourinho rarely trusts young players, but a tight budget may force him to look within.

Other targets like Tottenham Hotspur’s Pedro Porro, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong and Chelsea’s Reece James are considered too costly. Free agents Zeki Celik, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cruzeiro’s William do not meet the required standard.

• Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal will exit the club when his contract ends in June
• The right-back has served the first team for 13 successful seasons
• His final appearance will come against Athletic Club this weekend
• Saudi Arabia and MLS are potential destinations for the Spanish defender
• The announcement coincides with Jose Mourinho’s appointment as new manager

Real Madrid have officially announced that their captain Dani Carvajal will depart the club this summer. The news came on the same day that the Spanish giants confirmed Jose Mourinho as their new head coach.

The 33-year-old defender will leave when his current deal expires at the end of June. This marks the end of a 13-year journey with the first team. During this time, Carvajal has won six Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns.

Club president Florentino Perez released a statement praising the player. He called Carvajal a legend and a symbol of the club. Perez highlighted that Carvajal represents the true values of Real Madrid.

Carvajal has struggled with injuries in recent months. Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has rarely selected him for matches. Because of these fitness issues, the club decided not to offer him a new contract.

The right-back will wear the white shirt for the last time this weekend. Real Madrid face Athletic Club in what promises to be an emotional farewell at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The Spanish international will not compete at the 2026 World Cup. This means he can focus on choosing his next club immediately after the weekend clash. Reports suggest Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer are his most likely options. A move to another European team seems unlikely because Carvajal does not want to play against his beloved Real Madrid.

• Real Madrid captain will leave the club when his contract expires this summer
• The 34-year-old right-back has lost his starting position to Trent Alexander-Arnold this season
• He departs with 27 trophies, including six Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns
• Injury struggles have kept him out of Spain’s squad for the upcoming World Cup
• Club legends including Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas have paid tribute on social media

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has confirmed he will leave the Santiago Bernabéu when his contract ends this summer. The veteran right-back shared an emotional video on Instagram to announce his departure from the Spanish giants.

Carvajal first joined the club’s famous youth academy, La Fábrica, in 2002 as a young boy. He worked his way through every age group before helping Castilla secure promotion to the second tier in 2012. After spending one season with Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, he returned to Madrid in 2013 and established himself as a first-team regular.

The Spain international has faced serious fitness problems over the past two years. Upon his return to full training this season, he found himself behind Trent Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order. This marked the first time in more than a decade that he has not been the automatic choice at right-back. His lack of match sharpness has also cost him a place in Spain’s World Cup squad.

In his farewell message, Carvajal spoke directly to Madridistas about his journey. He recalled receiving his first club kit as a child and dreaming of glory. He highlighted winning six Champions League titles during his time at the Bernabéu. The defender stated that he leaves “calm and at peace” because he kept his promise to give absolutely everything for the badge.

Club president Florentino Pérez released a rare personal statement praising Carvajal as a symbol of the academy. Former captains Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas and Nacho Fernández also left supportive comments on his post. Current star Vinícius Júnior described him as the best right-back in history and a true legend of the game.

Carvajal will wear the white shirt for the final time this weekend. He leaves having made more than 450 appearances and captaining the side during a period of unprecedented success in European competition.

• Antonio Rüdiger signs one-year contract extension at Real Madrid
• German defender rejects lucrative Saudi Arabian move
• Club policy limits players over 30 to single-year deals
• Veteran centre-back overcame injury troubles to finish season as starter
• Defensive crisis deepens with Militao’s World Cup absence and Alaba’s exit

Real Madrid have secured the services of Antonio Rüdiger for another campaign. The German centre-back has put pen to paper on a fresh one-year agreement. This news arrives on the same day the Spanish giants bid farewell to their departing captain, Dani Carvajal.

The 33-year-old defender faced an uncertain future earlier in the campaign. Persistent knee problems limited his action during the first half of the season. Medical staff at the Santiago Bernabéu have monitored his arthritic condition closely. Despite these fitness worries, Rüdiger fought his way back into the starting eleven. He overtook summer signing Dean Huijsen to claim a regular spot in the defence.

Saudi Arabian clubs tabled a substantial financial proposal for the former Chelsea star. However, the German international chose loyalty over riches. He accepted Los Blancos’ strict policy regarding veteran players. The club only offers 12-month contracts to footballers aged above 30. Rüdiger originally hoped for a two-year package. Yet he accepted the terms without exception, according to reports from Diario AS.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti faces a defensive shortage next term. Eder Militao will miss the World Cup due to injury. David Alaba leaves when his contract expires. Raul Asencio may also depart. This leaves Rüdiger, Huijsen, and the crocked Militao as the sole recognised centre-backs. The reigning European champions have reportedly received an offer for Manchester City star Josko Gvardiol. They will need reinforcements to challenge for silverware.

Rüdiger featured 26 times this season. He found the net once despite making only two appearances before December. The tough-tackling defender will turn 34 during the next campaign. He must now fend off fresh competition to maintain his place in the starting lineup.

• Arbeloa confirms Mbappe could feature against Real Oviedo if he completes final training session
• Real Madrid boss avoids questions about Jose Mourinho potentially replacing him this summer
• Dani Carvajal left out of Spain’s World Cup squad despite returning to full training
• Manager admits he sometimes hides true opinions to shield his players from criticism
• Arbeloa appeals for unity from fans ahead of crucial La Liga clash

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has revealed that Kylian Mbappe will face Real Oviedo on Thursday evening if the striker proves his fitness during training.

The French forward missed the recent El Clasico defeat to Barcelona. This sparked debate about his dedication to the club. However, Arbeloa defended his star player strongly. He stated that Mbappe would get playing time if he finishes Thursday’s session without problems.

“Of course I believe in his commitment,” Arbeloa told reporters. “Real Madrid is a privilege for all of us. My players must understand how fortunate they are to wear this shirt. They will be remembered forever.”

The manager also faced difficult questions about his own future. Reports suggest Jose Mourinho could take over this summer. Arbeloa refused to discuss this topic. He said he only wants what benefits the club.

“I understand why people ask these things,” he admitted. “But I must focus on the next match. We can discuss my future after the season ends. Right now, I think about Oviedo.”

Arbeloa also spoke about Dani Carvajal. The veteran right-back did not make Spain’s World Cup long-list. Arbeloa said he had not yet spoken to Carvajal. However, he praised the defender’s quality on and off the pitch.

Regarding the national team, Arbeloa noted that few Real Madrid players made the Spain squad. He said he respects coach Luis de la Fuente’s decisions. “Every coach looks for something specific,” he explained.

The former youth team coach explained his communication style. He sometimes tells the full truth to the press. Other times, he protects his players by holding back.

“Sometimes I say what I think, and other times I say what I have to,” he explained. “I am a shield for my team. I criticise them in private with respect. That will never change.”

Arbeloa ended by asking fans to support the team during this difficult period. He reminded them that Real Madrid is strongest when everyone stands together. “The pressure here is higher than anywhere else,” he said. “Losing hurts more. We need our supporters now.”

• Spain manager Luis de la Fuente excludes Real Madrid captain from 55-man preliminary squad
• Carvajal returned to training this week but failed to prove full fitness after hamstring issue
• 2024 Euros winner Alvaro Morata also misses out on international return
• Young Barcelona stars Gavi and Pau Cubarsi reportedly set for final 26-man selection
• Final Spain squad for 2026 World Cup to be named on May 30

Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal will miss the 2026 World Cup. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has left the defender out of his preliminary squad.

The 34-year-old had hoped to play in one final tournament for his country. He returned to training this week after a hamstring injury. However, he has not convinced the coach that he is fully fit.

FIFA requires all nations to name a 55-man longlist before the final selection. Spain must confirm their 26-player squad by May 30. News about the longlist has already leaked to the media.

Carvajal played a key role when Spain won Euro 2024. De la Fuente had kept in contact with the player about a possible return. But Spanish radio station Cadena Cope reports that the coach has decided against including him.

Three other Real Madrid players are on the longlist. Dean Huijsen, Fran Garcia, and Gonzalo Garcia could all feature at the tournament. Experts believe only central defender Huijsen will make the final team.

Former Spain captain Alvaro Morata also misses out. The striker, who now plays for Como in Serie A, has lost his place in the national team over the past year.

Barcelona star Gavi is expected to be in the final squad. His teammates Joan Garcia and Pau Cubarsi should also travel to the World Cup. Defender Eric Garcia faces an anxious wait to learn his fate.