Two goals from Kylian Mbappé ensured a successful farewell for Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modrić at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Strong emotions were palpable before Real Madrid‘s final La Liga match of the 2024–25 season. Los Blancos held a farewell ceremony for Modrić and Ancelotti before the start of the game, and then were forced to shift their focus to Real Sociedad.
Real Madrid dominated the early stages of the match but failed to capitalize as the first half drew to a close. Carlo Ancelotti’s makeshift attacking line, featuring Brahim Díaz, Mbappé, and Arda Güler, struggled to find the net until Pablo Marín was penalized for a handball in the penalty area. Mbappé’s penalty was saved, but the French star slotted home the rebound, putting Real Madrid ahead 1-0.
Mbappé later scored his second goal of the game, capitalizing on a superb assist from Vinícius Júnior, which secured the three points for the home side on a historic day. These two goals have put Mbappé on the verge of claiming the Pichichi award in his debut season wearing the white shirt. The 26-year-old concluded his La Liga campaign with 31 goals, and is close to becoming the first Real Madrid player since Karim Benzema to win the prestigious award.
Once the result was secured, Ancelotti substituted Modrić in the 87th minute to allow him a deserved standing ovation as he left the Santiago Bernabéu pitch for the final time. The former midfield captain Toni Kroos warmly embraced him before he spent time with his family.
Modrić and Ancelotti depart the club as true Real Madrid legends. Both will forever be remembered as the most successful coach and player, respectively, to have represented the biggest club in the world.