Real Madrid

The season ends with defeat at the Bernabéu

Athletic bring a poor La Liga campaign to a close with a defeat against Real Madrid in Valverde’s farewell match

Athletic ended the season with a 4-2 defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu. It was a night without glory, the conclusion to a poor La Liga campaign, and a farewell for legendary head coach Ernesto Valverde, the man who brought La Gabarra back after a 40-year wait

The night, which also saw beloved Lion Iñigo Lekue bid farewell on the pitch, got off to a bad start. A cross from the man of the moment, Dani Carvajal, split the Rojiblancos’ defence and allowed Gonzalo Garcia to beat Alex Padilla in the 11th minute.

The match offered no further excitement until Thiago Pitarch set up Jude Bellingham to make it 2-0 just before half-time.

However, Gorka Guruzeta popped up with a volley from an Iñaki Williams cross in stoppage time. It was Gorka's 17th goal across all competitions this season, beating his previous best tally.

The second half got off to a difficult start when Kylian Mbappé scored with a shot from the edge of the box.

Athletic had chances via Adama Boiro, with a great shot, and Guruzeta, who missed with a header from a measured Robert Navarro cross.

Brahim Diaz then scored Real Madrid's fourth after a guard of honour for Carvajal. Urko Izeta salvaged some pride with a fine late header, his first goal as a Lion.

The season is now over. Now it’s time to gather our strength before we begin a new chapter.