Real Madrid played the final game of their 2022-23 season against Athletic Club. While the Merengues had already lost the chance to finish as the Champions of Spain, this match was still important as it could have determined the runner-up in this Liga campaign.
The match was also significant for Athletic Club as its result could have promised them a place in the UEFA Conference League next season.
Furthermore, this match was also the last official match for several Real Madrid players, including the legendary Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, and Mariano Diaz.
Karim Benzema took the armband for his last appearance for Real Madrid. Los Blancos went into the match with a strong line-up, with Rudiger playing as the left back, Camavinga moving back to the midfield, where Kroos and Ceballos joined him, and the forward line consisting of Benzema and the Brazilians, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo Goes.
The match started with Bilbao on the front foot, who were awarded a penalty only ten minutes into the game, as Kroos was judged to have handed the ball in the box. However, Courtois came up big to deny Bilbao taking the lead from this penalty.
Vinicius then had an opportunity to send Madrid ahead, but his shot was saved well by the Bilbao keeper. The game went on with both sides having their chances to go ahead in the first half, but none of them were able to take advantage of their opportunities.
Oihan Sancet started the second half in a sparkling fashion for Bilbao, as he first forced Courtois into a save and then scored a goal from a rebound. Inaki Williams had the chance to send the visitors two ahead but spurred a great chance by taking his shot too near to Courtois.
The game lost its spark somewhat before Real Madrid got a penalty of their own, which was converted by Benzema, allowing the Frenchman to say his goodbyes to Bernabeu in style.
Both the teams again had their chances to take the lead following Benzema’s goal, with Iker Muniain coming close to scoring a second for Bilbao, while Vinicius had a goal ruled out for offside.
Rodrygo Goes also missed a great chance, as the match ended in a draw. However, Real Madrid were lucky as Atletico Madrid, who were also playing their match simultaneously, saw a late equalizer scored against them, and also finished their last match as a draw. Thus, Real retained their second position on the table.
