The farewell script
Real Madrid closed their 2025-26 La Liga campaign with a 4–2 win over Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabeu, but the scoreline was secondary to the goodbyes. This was Dani Carvajal's final appearance in white and David Alaba's last match for the club, and the evening was built around their departures. (1) (3) (8)
How the game unfolded
Real Madrid set up in a fluid 4-3-3 that shifted into a diamond in possession, with Jude Bellingham operating between the lines. Athletic Club pressed high early and caused problems on the counter, but Madrid's quality in transition proved decisive. The goals came in clusters, two in the first half and two after the break, while Athletic pulled two back to keep the contest honest. Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz both got on the scoresheet, with Gonzalo Garcia also netting. The 4–2 final score reflected a game that was open throughout, with both sides creating chances. (1) (6) (12)
Carvajal writes the final chapter
Dani Carvajal delivered a performance worthy of his legacy. Substituted to a standing ovation from both sets of players, who formed a guard of honour, the captain left the Bernabeu pitch for the last time visibly emotional. His post-match words captured the moment: "It's not just that it's the club of my life, it is my life. I was born a Real Madrid fan, I've been here for 23 years, I've played in every division, I've won everything there is to win, I've even been captain… I couldn't ask for more. I'm leaving very happy and fulfilled." He departs as the second-most decorated player in Real Madrid history with 27 trophies. (1) (3) (7) (10) (14)
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Alaba's chair moment
David Alaba also said his goodbye, and he did it in style. After five seasons, the Austrian re-enacted his iconic chair celebration, first seen during the 2022 Champions League remontada against PSG, lifting a chair aloft on the Bernabeu pitch. "I feel very grateful," Alaba said. "I have grown as a player and as a person, with many successes. Even during injuries, this club has always been there for me and supported me." The gesture was a nod to one of the great recent Bernabeu memories and a fittingly personal sign-off. (2) (8) (11)
Arbeloa skips the mic
Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa cancelled his post-match press conference, a decision that will fuel speculation about his future. Before the game, he had said: "I hope it's just a see you soon. I've always considered Madrid my home. It's my last game this season; I don't know if it's the last of my life as Madrid's coach, we never know." That ambiguity now hangs over the summer. (4)
What this means going forward
This result closes the league season with a win but in a bittersweet mood. The departures of Carvajal and Alaba signal the end of a cycle, Carvajal was the last remaining member of the three-peat Champions League squad. Replacing their combined experience and leadership will define the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Castilla's dramatic qualification for the Primera Federacion promotion play-offs after a chaotic 2–2 draw with Guadalajara offers a reminder that the future is already pushing through. (5) (9) (13)
Fan-reaktioner
Madridistas online are grieving Carvajal's departure with an intensity reserved for the club's deepest legends. One supporter wrote that it "feels like something familiar in my life has quietly disappeared forever," while another noted he leaves as the last member of the three-peat squad, marking a definitive generational handover. Across social media, the tone was unanimous: gratitude for 23 years, 27 trophies, and a captain who gave everything. Read more on r/realmadrid
