Carlo Ancelotti concluded his glittering Real Madrid career with a composed 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad, as the curtain fell on an emotional final day at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The Italian tactician, Real Madrid’s most successful manager with 15 major trophies, guided Los Blancos to one last win before handing over the reins to Xabi Alonso, who is set to arrive in the Spanish capital next week.
The pre-match atmosphere was rich with tribute and nostalgia. Fans rose in applause for two club legends bidding farewell—Ancelotti and Luka Modrić, Madrid’s most decorated player with 28 trophies. Yet amid the sentiment, there was still business to be done.
Kylian Mbappé, vying for the European Golden Boot, wasted no time in asserting himself, though his early effort was denied by Real Sociedad’s in-form goalkeeper Unai Marrero. Sociedad, with only pride and a potential top-half finish at stake, briefly threatened through Sergio Gómez, but he was thwarted by a sharp Andriy Lunin save.
Mbappé remained Madrid’s main threat, linking up well with the lively Arda Güler. After Marrero blocked a Federico Valverde shot, the breakthrough came just before half-time when Pablo Marín handled the ball in the area.
Mbappé’s initial penalty was saved, but he reacted quickly to slot home the rebound—his 30th La Liga goal of the campaign.
Sociedad showed little fight after the break, allowing Madrid to dictate proceedings. Mbappé continued to search for another goal to edge ahead in the Golden Boot race, but Marrero proved stubborn until the 83rd minute.
According to Flashscore, a swift one-two with substitute Vinícius Júnior allowed the Frenchman to fire in at the near post, sealing both the result and an emphatic farewell performance.
As the final minutes ticked down, the match turned ceremonial. Luka Modrić was substituted to a standing ovation, receiving an impromptu guard of honour from teammates.
At the final whistle, tears flowed across the Bernabéu. Ancelotti embraced his players for the last time, Lucas Vázquez also bid farewell, while Sociedad’s long-serving manager Imanol Alguacil exited after nearly seven years in charge. Veteran referee Mario Melero López also officiated his final La Liga match.
