MADRID: Real Madrid delivered manager Carlo Ancelotti and midfielder Luka Modric a victory in their final game at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice in a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad to end their La Liga season.

Ancelotti will become Brazil coach after leaving Real, while Modric is set to leave the club after next month’s Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States.

Despite Real having little to play for after surrendering the La Liga title to rivals Barcelona, the atmosphere at the Bernabeu was emotionally charged as home fans focused on providing a fitting tribute to their departing icons.

Real fans displayed banners showing their affection for Modric and Ancelotti and sang both names on an emotional afternoon for Los Blancos.

It was a profitable one too for Mbappe, who scored twice to take the lead in the European Golden Shoe standings from Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres.

In an action-packed opening 45 minutes, Pablo Marin handled as Arda Guler tried to flick the ball past him and Real were awarded a penalty after a VAR review in the 37th minute. Mbappe’s poor penalty was saved by Unai Marrero but the French superstar turned home the rebound for his 30th league goal.

Ancelotti brought on Vinicius Jr in the second half and the Brazilian engineered Real’s second goal, playing a delicate through ball that was turned in by Mbappe from a tight angle, all but ensuring a Pichichi award as La Liga’s top scorer.

Many at the Bernabeu were in tears when Modric departed late on, embraced by former Madrid midfield partner Toni Kroos on the touchline.

There was also cause for emotion in the visitors’ dugout as Sociedad bid farewell to manager Imanol Alguacil, who ended a seven-year spell in charge during which he won the Copa del Rey and led the club to European football for five successive seasons.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2025