Focusing on Benzema, it was like that Thibaut Courtois who starred in the first inning, making a save Mikel VesgaPenalty kick in the 10th minute before the flip Yuri BershishShot over the crossbar. The hosts’ best chance fell Rodrigo goeswas denied while attempting to dribble around the goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Oihan Sunset They put Athletic ahead after the break – after Courtois kept their initial effort in check – and Benzema equalized with a penalty in the 72nd minute, before being substituted to a standing ovation.
Real Madrid’s confirmation – which came at 11:53am local time, less than seven hours before kick-off – that Benzema will leave the club this summer meant there was only one name on the lips of those who filled the Santiago Bernabéu. This is the last game of the La Liga season. There was a huge cheer when Benzema’s name was read out over the stadium loudspeakers before kick-off, and with the crowd desperate to see him score again, there was excitement whenever the striker got close to the ball in a dangerous situation. But that didn’t happen often.
Benzema is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in the history of Real Madrid. only one player – Cristiano Ronaldo Scored more than 354 goals. No player has won more than 25 championships. And of course we are talking about the Ballon d’Or winner. It’s also true that this was a disappointing season, given the levels he reached last year.
This performance was the way he played, close to what it was, but not quite there. However, the goals were achieved. His penalty here reached his 19th in LaLiga this season, meaning that when he was taken off, there was no remorse, only applause from fans who knew they had witnessed a historic moment.
2. So many questions ahead of a busy summer
Benzema’s future is now clear, but there are still many doubts about Real Madrid’s squad ahead of next season. The club confirmed this Marco AsensioAnd Eden Hazard And Mariano Diaz He will leave, but nothing official yet on the midfielder Danny Ceballos or defender Nacho Fernandez.
Ceballos and Nacho both started here, Nacho in his favored position at centre-back, while Asensio – for Ceballos – was introduced as a substitute in the 58th minute, before withdrawing late on. Nacho looked confident in the back, as he always does. Coach Carlo Ancelotti would love him to stay, but only 18 LaLiga matches have not convinced the player.
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As for Ceballos, his form since Christmas convinced the club to offer him a new contract, but this performance served as a reminder for a player who often frustrates as much as he impresses. And there are more doubts too, at full-back and elsewhere in midfield. Dani Carvajal Competition needs to be on the right, while Aureline Choameni Starting another game off the bench was evidence of his declining importance since world Cup.
3. Courtois is the main man in Real Madrid now
With Benzema gone, Real Madrid will need new leaders to step up in his absence. Courtois made a convincing case here – as he has all season – that he may now be the most important player in this Real Madrid side. Courtois’ 10th-minute penalty save was impressive, as he guessed the right way to save Vesga’s kick – even though it reached him at a good height – and his first-half stop from Berchichi was even better.
Time and time again this season, Courtois has made at least one crucial save per game. Whatever question marks may be around every other area of the team – and they are in defence, midfield and attack – Real Madrid have nothing to worry about in goal. She’s 31 years old, and Courtois has her covered for years to come.
The best and worst performers
The best: Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid Great penalty save and three other good stops.
Best: Oihan Sunset, Athletic Club He scored well and kept his composure after Courtois parried his first shot.
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better: Nico WilliamsSports Club He looked dangerous every time he got the ball.
Worst: Dani Ceballos, Real Madrid Make a slight impression in the midfield.
Worst: Mikel Vesga, Athletic Club He missed the opportunity to put Athletic ahead early with a penalty.
Worst: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid It kind of looked again. Real Madrid can do that by looking at the right-back this summer.
After the match: what the managers and players said
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti on Benzema: “One of the best players in the world, one of the best players on the planet. A complete footballer, a very nice, humble, serious person. We can’t be happy, but we have to respect his decision, he got it right. We all have to thank him. What he did This club is legendary, unforgettable, and will be in the history of this club forever.”
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Ancelotti on who can replace Benzema: “Obviously today we are saying goodbye to four strikers – Mariano, Asensio, Hazard and Karim – we have to do something there, but there is no rush, we have time to do it calmly.”
Ancelotti on Real Madrid’s lack of strikers: “At the moment, I’m not worried, we have plenty of time. I think you win games with strikers and without strikers too. Strikers are more likely to score goals, that’s obvious, but it makes a difference when a team plays as a team, contracted, with good character and commitment.”
Courtois about what Real Madrid missed this season: “As we saw today, we lacked the clarity to score more goals, and we missed a goal in defense. We will be better next season.”
Courtois on Benzema: “It was a pleasure to play with him. He’s an excellent player. It’s a shame, but we understand him. He’s a legend and deserves to be chosen. I wish him the best.”
Key stats (courtesy of ESPN Stats & Info)
Thibaut Courtois: First save in 4 shots killed in LaLiga this season. Become the 13th different goalkeeper to save a PK this season
Oihan Sunset: The youngest sports player (23 years old) to score at the Bernabéu in LaLiga since Inaki Williams in 2018.
Karim Benzema scores his 18th LaLiga goal against Athletic Club – the most by any player since joining the league in the 2009-10 season. Ronaldo has 17, Messi has 16 during the period.
Karim Benzema lets Real Madrid score a goal every 108 minutes this season in LaLiga, which is the fourth best rate in his career with the club, and the best in LaLiga this season (at least 10 goals).
the next
real madrid: With the end of the 2022-23 La Liga season, Los Blancos They will start their summer friendly matches against AC Milan On July 23rd.
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Sports Club: play Celtic In a friendly match on August 1.
