Karim Benzema marked his Real Madrid farewell with a goal in a 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao, as Los Blancos clung onto second place on the ultimate day of the LaLiga season.
The veteran ahead – who is predicted to move to Saudi Arabia after asserting his departure on Sunday – transformed a penalty as Madrid fought again to clinch some extent on the Santiago Bernabeu.
Athletic had been denied an early opener when Thibaut Courtois saved out Mikel Vesga’s spot-kick, however Ernesto Valverde’s guests struck first by Oihan Sancet after half-time.
Benzema’s equaliser nonetheless value them a spot within the Europa Conference League, with Carlo Ancelotti’s males clinging onto second following Atleti’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal elsewhere.
Athletic had the possibility to go forward from the spot when Toni Kroos dealt with Inaki Williams’ header 10 minutes in, however Courtois sprung to his proper to push Vesga’s tame kick away.
Unai Simon subsequently tipped Vinicius Junior’s drive huge as Madrid’s menace grew, and the Athletic goalkeeper remained alert to forestall Rodrygo from rounding him as an open first half ended goalless.
We you, @Benzema!#GraciasKarim pic.twitter.com/7PLenHL7bE
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) June 4, 2023
Athletic noticed one other shiny begin rewarded within the second half although with Ander Herrera dispossessing Dani Ceballos to tee up Sancet, who squeezed his shot past Courtois on the second try.
Madrid reaped a penalty of their very own nonetheless after Yuri Berchiche caught Eder Militao within the face, and Benzema made no mistake from the spot, earlier than he was substituted to a standing ovation.
Los Blancos had been unable to discover a winner with out their talisman nonetheless, with Rodrygo lacking a evident probability, however their level nonetheless preserved second to finish the season.
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