Real Madrid 2 – 0 Real Sociedad
It was a fitting farewell for Carlo Ancelotti and Lucas Vázquez, while Luka Modrić graced the Santiago Bernabéu for what could be the final time in a Real Madrid shirt.
With just minutes left in regulation, everything at the Bernabéu seemed to pause. Players from both teams lined up on either side of the pitch as Luka Modrić slowly walked off. The Croatian maestro bid farewell to the stadium that had been his footballing home for over a decade. Teammates embraced him; Toni Kroos, who himself played his last game earlier, stepped in with a smile to share the emotional moment. Modrić was seen rubbing his eyes — perhaps wiping away tears as one of Madrid’s most decorated players took a bow.
But Modrić wasn’t the only one saying goodbye. Lucas Vázquez also played his final game for the club, and with the final whistle, coach Carlo Ancelotti’s second spell in charge also came to a close.
The goodbyes were wrapped in a happy ending, though. Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 2–0 in their final La Liga match of the season, thanks to a brace from Kylian Mbappé.
Madrid ended the season with 84 points from 26 wins and 6 draws across 38 games, just behind champions Barcelona, who finished with 85 points from 37 matches.
With the title already decided and Sociedad out of contention for anything meaningful, the match felt more like a formality. Still, both teams had early chances — Mbappé nearly scored in the 7th minute, but his attempt was denied by the keeper. Just moments later, Sergio Gómez couldn’t make the most of a one-on-one at the other end.
In the 13th minute, Mbappé had another clear chance, but under pressure, he sent it flying over the bar. Madrid kept pressing, and in the 36th minute, VAR awarded a penalty after Pablo Marín handled the ball in the box. Mbappé’s initial spot kick was weak and saved, but he reacted quickest to slot home the rebound — reaffirming his place atop the La Liga goal chart.
Vinícius Jr. came on in the second half and almost scored, but his shot from outside the box was well saved. In the 77th minute, Vázquez was subbed off for Gonzalo García, prompting a heartfelt send-off. The Bernabéu rose in applause, and Vázquez waved with both hands — a simple but emotional farewell. Overshadowed slightly by Modrić and Ancelotti’s exits, Vázquez may not have been a superstar, but his versatility made him an invaluable part of the squad.
Just six minutes later, Mbappé struck again — receiving a brilliant through ball from Vinícius, he beat the keeper with a precise angled finish from a tight spot. Having joined from PSG the previous summer, Mbappé closed out his debut La Liga season with 31 goals, six more than second-placed Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona.
Then came the night’s most poignant moment. In the 87th minute, Modrić was subbed off, receiving a guard of honor as he walked off the pitch. On the sideline, Kroos, Madrid coaching staff, and Modrić’s family watched on. Fans held up placards — one read “Gracias, Modrić” — as applause echoed throughout the stadium.
The final minutes of the match passed uneventfully. But once the whistle blew, the atmosphere shifted again — a second wave of goodbyes filled the stadium. Carlo Ancelotti’s successful tenure at Madrid officially came to an end as he now prepares to take over Brazil’s national team.
As for Modrić, this wasn’t quite the end. He’ll bid a final goodbye after playing in the Club World Cup in June–July, hoping to add to his record 28 trophies in a Real Madrid shirt.
