Real Madrid 4-2 Athletic Club
Real Madrid concluded a challenging 2025-26 season on a high, triumphing over Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It was an emotional day in the Spanish capital, as Dani Carvajal and David Alaba bid farewell ahead of their summer departures. Alaba played a crucial role in the opening goal, delivering a superb through pass that was struck powerfully by Gonzalo Garcia.
Advertisement
Later in the first half, Real Madrid extended their lead to 2-0 in spectacular fashion. This time, it was Thiago Pitarch’s chipped through ball that set up Jude Bellingham, who volleyed home emphatically, doubling the home team’s advantage. However, Athletic Club managed to pull one back just before halftime, as Gorka Guruzeta found the net in stoppage time.
Six minutes into the second half, Real Madrid restored their two-goal cushion. After receiving the ball from Alvaro Carreras, Kylian Mbappe cut onto his right foot and found the net for the first time in over a month. He celebrated this goal alongside head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who will also depart in the summer.
Alaba and Carvajal were replaced to standing ovations from the Bernabeu crowd, who erupted again in the 88th minute when Brahim Diaz added to the scoreline, continuing his impressive form with another goal. However, Athletic found the net once more in stoppage time, as Urko Izeta scored for the visitors.
A Crucial Summer Ahead for Real Madrid
The season has been a significant disappointment for Real Madrid, and they are acutely aware of the changes that must take place. A major overhaul is anticipated this summer, beginning with the appointment of Jose Mourinho, who is set to return to the Bernabeu after a 13-year absence for his second spell in charge.