Real Madrid Close Season with 2-0 Win and Emotional Goodbyes

The Santiago Bernabéu was draped in emotion on Saturday night as Real Madrid bid farewell to three of its icons following a 2-0 LaLiga victory over Real Sociedad. Carlo Ancelotti, Luka Modric, and Lucas Vazquez all took their final bows in front of a packed and sentimental home crowd, as Kylian Mbappé’s two goals delivered a fitting parting gift.

In what was Madrid’s final league game of the season before the FIFA Club World Cup next month, Mbappé stepped up to the spotlight once again, scoring on either side of half-time. The French star opened the scoring in the 38th minute from the penalty spot — following a VAR check for handball — and although his initial attempt was saved by Alex Remiro, he reacted quickly to bury the rebound.

Vinicius Jr and Mbappé Show Perfect Chemistry

Despite some pre-match talk of chemistry issues between Real Madrid’s two attacking stars, they silenced doubters with a moment of brilliance in the 83rd minute. Vinicius Jr drove at the Sociedad defence before slipping a precise pass inside to Mbappé, who calmly finished at the near post for his second of the night, taking another stride toward the European Golden Boot.

The numbers reflected Madrid’s dominance, finishing with an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.49 compared to Real Sociedad’s 0.80. While the visitors had their moments — most notably through Fiston Mayele and Sergio Gomez early on — they couldn’t make the breakthrough against Andrii Lunin in goal.

An Evening of Emotional Farewells

But for all the on-field action, this was a night marked more by farewells than football. Lucas Vazquez was the first to leave the pitch, met with a rousing ovation from the Bernabéu faithful. Then came Luka Modric’s turn in the 89th minute, greeted by chants of his name as he embraced Ancelotti, his family, and teammates — a full-circle moment for a player once labeled LaLiga’s worst signing of the season, now departing as one of Real Madrid’s greatest-ever midfielders.

Ancelotti’s final match at the Bernabéu was equally moving. The most decorated manager in the club’s storied history, the Italian tactician leaves behind a legacy of silverware and unforgettable nights under the Madrid lights.

Though both Modric and Vazquez will feature at the upcoming Club World Cup, this was their final LaLiga appearance in white, closing the chapter on an era of sustained excellence.

Sociedad Left to Reflect

For Real Sociedad, it marked a disappointing end to a difficult campaign. With European football now out of reach, the Basque side will look to regroup ahead of next season. Despite showing flashes of attacking promise, their inability to convert chances and see out tight games has proven costly.

What’s Next

With LaLiga now wrapped up, Real Madrid turn their attention to the expanded FIFA Club World Cup next month, while their rivals begin summer rebuilds and player evaluations.

As the final whistle blew, it wasn’t just a football match that ended — it was the closing of a remarkable chapter in Real Madrid’s history. A night to remember for the players, the fans, and the city of Madrid.