Real Madrid face off with Athletic Club in the last remaining match of the 2022-23 La Liga season. While the Capital side has already missed out on the title, they still have to fight for the second place in the table as Atletico trail them only by one point.
Match Details:
Date: Sunday, 4th June 2023
Competition: La Liga Santander
Matchday: 38
Time: 06:30 pm CET
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
Match Overview:
The top position in this La Liga edition has already been claimed by FC Barcelona, with Real Madrid trailing the Catalans with 11 points up to now. However, league action is not yet over as Real Madrid will be looking to finish the season placed at least second in the league table, which would help them get a favorable draw in the Champions League for the next season.
However, with the top position already out of grabs, Carlo Ancelotti will find it hard to motivate the players to give their all for this match, as there is no trophy or glory for second-placed teams, especially those with the stature and aspirations of Los Blancos.
Still, the match would be a historical one for the club, as it would also be the last official match of a number of players. The most notable of these players is Karim Benzema, whose departure from the club has already been confirmed, and who is leaving behind a legacy like few others have left at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The club has also bought out Eden Hazard’s contract, and the Belgian would be leaving the club without making an impact. He could make an appearance in the later stages of the match, but is not likely to start the game.
Mariano Diaz and Marco Asensio will also be leaving the club after this last game, and can come on for a farewell cameo in this match.
Other than these players, Ancelotti will be looking to go into the match with his first-choice squad, keeping in view that second position at stake. Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo will most likely join Karim Benzema in attack, Kroos and the other two midfielders controlling the midfield, and Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, and Nacho playing in the defense.
Athletic Club would be coming strongly in this match as their La Liga campaign has not yet ended as well. They are tied with Osasuna for the seventh position at 50 points, and a victory tonight can guarantee them a UEFA Conference League position in the coming season. They will be looking towards their pacy wingers, Nico, and Inaki Williams to make the difference in this match.
While it has not been confirmed yet, this match could also be the last one for Modric, Ceballos, and Nacho. Thus, all these players will be looking to give in a strong performance in what could be their last match for the club, and help the club end this rather disappointing season on a high.
