Real Madrid concluded their 2025-26 La Liga season with a 4-2 victory over Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday evening, a match marked by emotional farewells to key players Dani Carvajal and David Alaba, as well as manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
Gonzalo Garcia opened the scoring for Real Madrid with a goal set up by a through ball from Carvajal, who has been a mainstay for the club for over a decade. Jude Bellingham then doubled the lead with a volley, assisted by Thiago Pitarch, before Gorka Guruzeta pulled one back for Athletic Club in first-half stoppage time.
Kylian Mbappe, returning to the scoresheet after a month-long drought, extended Real Madrid’s advantage in the second half, celebrating with Arbeloa in what is expected to be the coach’s final match in charge. Both Carvajal and Alaba were then substituted to standing ovations from the Bernabeu faithful, acknowledging their contributions to the club.
Brahim Diaz added a fourth goal for Real Madrid late in the game, continuing his recent good form, though Urko Izeta responded with a second for Athletic Club in stoppage time. The result provides a positive end to a largely disappointing season for Los Blancos.
Real Madrid are now preparing for significant changes ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with Jose Mourinho set to return to the club as manager after 13 years, according to reports. The appointment signals a clear intent to overhaul the squad and restore Real Madrid to their position as a dominant force in both La Liga and European football. The club confirmed the appointment of Mourinho earlier this week.
Carvajal’s departure marks the end of an era for the right-back, who has won numerous titles with the club since breaking into the first team in 2013. Alaba’s exit also leaves a void in the defence, as Real Madrid look to rebuild under Mourinho’s leadership.
