Real Madrid ended the La Liga season with a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, but it was the emotional farewells that stole the show.
Tears for two legends
Fans said goodbye to Carlo Ancelotti (65) and Luka Modrić (39) – two of the club’s most winning figures of all time.
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- Ancelotti resigned after winning 15 titles in two spells as Real Madrid manager. He will now take over Brazil’s national team.
- Luka Modrić played his last game for the club after 13 years and 28 titles.
Both were moved to tears during a ceremony after the game, where Ancelotti said:
Modrić gets honor guard
The game was stopped when Modrić was substituted in the final minutes. Players from both teams formed an honor guard when he left the field for the last time.
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The Croatian midfield champion, who was the team captain that day, said after the game:
The Bernabéu gave him a standing ovation, and many fans held up thank-you signs while shouting his name. Modrić embraced both teammates and his family, including Toni Kroos, who left the club last year.
An era is over
- Modrić helped Madrid to 6 Champions League titles, 6 Club World Cups, 4 La Liga titles and more. He is one of only five players to have won 6 Champions League trophies.
- Ancelotti won a total of 3 Champions Leagues, 2 La Liga titles and several other trophies during his two spells as coach.
Mbappé secured the win
Kylian Mbappé scored both goals (38′ and 83′) to take the league’s top scorers list with 30 goals – five more than Robert Lewandowski.
This was also the farewell of Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil, who is retiring after six and a half years, and referee Mario Melero López, who refereed his last match.
A historic day at the Bernabéu – where two football giants said goodbye after incredible careers.
