La Liga Roundup: Benzema scores in final game with Madrid; Vinicius back after racial abuse
MADRID (AP) — Karim Benzema transformed his penalty kick and obtained a standing ovation from followers earlier than being substituted on the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, bringing an finish to his memorable profession with Real Madrid on Sunday.
Benzema was changed after scoring the 72nd-minute equalizer in Madrid’s 1-1 draw towards Athletic Bilbao in his ultimate sport with the Spanish powerhouse after 14 seasons. Madrid had introduced earlier Sunday that the French striker wouldn’t return subsequent season.
The final spherical of the Spanish league additionally noticed Vinícius Júnior’s return to motion for the primary time since he was racially abused in a league match towards Valencia two weeks in the past, in addition to Valladolid’s relegation.
Vinícius hadn’t performed within the final two Madrid video games following the most recent incident of racist insults focused at him in Valencia on May 21, prompting a widespread response from Spanish authorities and the soccer world. The membership had stated he was sidelined with a minor knee downside.
The Brazil ahead wasn’t capable of rating, having a 79th-minute aim disallowed for offside.
Benzema did discover the online in his farewell match.
He fired in a low shot from the spot, then celebrated by sending kisses to the group on the Bernabeu. He was instantly substituted by Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, receiving an enormous ovation from the followers.
“I’ve coached one of the greatest players in the world and one of the best strikers,” Ancelotti stated. “We can’t be pleased about his departure, but we have to respect his decision. He’s earned the right to choose and we all thank him for everything he’s done for this club. He’s been a legendary, unforgettable figure, and he’ll remain forever in the memory of this club.”
Benzema’s farewell got here amid studies he’ll play in Saudi Arabia subsequent season.
After the match, Madrid gamers threw Benzema up within the air a couple of occasions, as they did for the opposite gamers not returning subsequent season — Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard and Mariano Díaz.
Still sporting the captain’s armband, Benzema went close to the stands and applauded the followers.
The consequence allowed Madrid to complete in second place forward of Atletico Madrid, which drew 2-2 at Villarreal after conceding a stoppage-time equalizer.
“It was a pleasure to play with him,” Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stated of Benzema. “He is an excellent player, a legend. It’s a pity that he is leaving but we understand that he has the right to choose his destiny.”
The 35-year-old striker has been with Madrid since 2009. He helped the membership win a document 25 titles, together with 5 Champions Leagues, 5 Club World Cups and 4 Spanish leagues.
Benzema ended his profession with Madrid with 354 targets — the second-most all-time — and 648 appearances, which is the fifth-most all-time.
VALLADOLID RELEGATED
Valladolid grew to become the final crew to be relegated after it was unable to get greater than a 0-0 draw at house towards Getafe.
A win would have been sufficient for the membership owned by former Brazil striker Ronaldo, which was within the high flight after spending a yr within the second division in 2021-22.
“There is not a lot to explain, we tried but couldn’t score the goal that we needed,” Valladolid goalkeeper Jordi Masip stated. “It’s a disappointment for the club, the fans and the entire city.”
Six groups had entered the ultimate spherical preventing to keep away from relegation — Valladolid, Celta Vigo, Almeria, Valencia, Getafe and Cadiz.
Almeria escaped due to an 87th-minute penalty kick transformed by Adrián Embarba in a 3-3 draw at Espanyol, ending simply exterior the relegation zone.
Valencia stayed protected after a 1-1 draw at Real Betis, whereas Celta Vigo survived after a 2-1 house win over champion Barcelona with a pair of targets by Gabri Veiga.
Barcelona ended the season on 88 factors, 10 greater than Madrid and 11 greater than Atletico.
Espanyol and Elche had already been relegated.
EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE
In the combat for the ultimate European place nonetheless out there, Osasuna beat Girona 2-1 at house to complete seventh and seize a Europa Conference League spot.
Bilbao resulted in eighth place, two factors behind Osasuna. Mallorca gained 3-0 towards Rayo Vallecano to complete ninth, three factors behind Osasuna.
Real Sociedad earned the ultimate Champions League spot, whereas Villarreal and Betis will play within the Europa League.
JOAQUÍN’S FINALE
Retiring Betis ahead Joaquín Sánchez performed in his 622nd sport to tie the document for many league appearances that had been held by former Spain and Barcelona goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta.
The 41-year-old ahead put an finish to his profession after 23 seasons, most of them with boyhood membership Betis. He additionally performed for Málaga, Valencia and Fiorentina in Italy.
Joaquín kissed the grass beneath him earlier than being substituted within the sixtieth.
