Benzema scores on Real Madrid farewell in Athletic Bilbao draw
Carlo Ancelotti’s men retained second place in the La Liga table ahead of city rivals Atlético Madrid regardless, while Los Leones missed out on European football altogether.
As the Santiago Bernabéu crowd waved goodbye to one of their greatest-ever players, Real were looking to end a disappointing season on a high.
Los Blancos hardly flew out of the traps though, and were indebted to their goalkeeper for keeping them on level terms in the early going.
After Iñaki Williams’ header struck Toni Kroos’ outstretched arm inside the area, the referee showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Mikel Vesga stepped up from 12 yards, but his spot-kick was emphatically saved by Thibaut Courtois.
The contest carried the tempo of an end-of-season fixture, with clear-cut chances at a premium. The hosts were particularly poor, reliant on the mercurial Vinícius Júnior for their best sight at goal, as his low-driven effort towards the near post was thwarted by Unai Simón.
Courtois remained the busier goalkeeper throughout the half, and showed his impressive shot-stopping capabilities once more as he parried Yuri Berchiche’s powerful strike.
Ernesto Valverde’s men remained determined to attack after the restart and were finally rewarded with an opening goal.
Real were caught in possession in their own half and Bilbao capitalised through Oihan Sancet, who was first to react and rifle home at the near post after his initial shot was stopped by Courtois.
The Belgian goalkeeper was becoming increasingly frustrated by his side’s insipid defending as he lunged forward to stop Iñaki Williams from doubling the visitors’ lead.
Éder Militão acted as head cheerleader as he attempted to inject some life into his teammates, and the Brazilian was at the heart of their late revival, winning a penalty after being struck by the wayward arm of Berchiche.
There was only ever one man to step up from the spot, and Benzema made no mistake in slotting home from 12 yards for his 354th and final goal in the famous white shirt.
That would be the Frenchman’s final contribution as a Real player, and without him, Ancelotti’s men looked devoid of ideas in their pursuit of a winner.
Bilbao looked the likelier to find a decisive strike, but substitute Álex Berenguer proved wasteful in the final third, while Rodrygo spurned a glorious chance to win it for the hosts late on.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Oihan Sancet (Athletic Bilbao)
