Real Madrid 1-1 Athletic Bilbao: Benzema scores in final Blancos display

The French striker leaves Real Madrid after 14 years.

Athletic Bilbao held Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw on the final matchday of the La Liga season. Karim Benzema scored his final goal for the Blancos at Santiago Bernabeu.

The end of an era!

Earlier today, Real Madrid officially announced Karim Benzema will leave the club this summer. The Frenchman has reportedly reached an agreement with Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad on a two-year deal.

Benzema‘s final game in Real Madrid’s jersey started with Bilbao pushing for an early opener. The guests came as close as taking a penalty in the tenth minute.

However, Thibaut Courtois pulled off a brilliant save to deny Mikel Vesga. Real Madrid tried to bounce back and reclaim control over the game.

But the missed penalty was not enough to stop Bilbao’s attacks. Courtois made a few more saves to keep Real Madrid in the game before the half-time whistle.

Bilbao resumed their attacks as soon as the second half started. The visitors finally claimed their deserved opener through Oihan Sancet in the 49th minute.

As Real Madrid pushed forward to score the equalizer, Bilbao made a few more chances to double their lead. But another massive save from Courtois prevented Inaki Williams from scoring his side’s second goal of the night.

Real Madrid finally managed to find the equalizer when the referee awarded them a penalty in the 72nd minute. Benzema converted the penalty with a cool shot into the centre of the net to register his last Real Madrid goal.

The Blancos pushed to complete their comeback in the final ten minutes but couldn’t convert their chances. Carlo Ancelotti’s side ended the La Liga season in the second spot, ten points below Barcelona.