Real Madrid concluded their 2025/26 La Liga season on a high note, securing a convincing 4-2 victory over Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabéu. In a match that served as the final chapter of the domestic campaign, the home side demonstrated their attacking prowess to delight the Madrid faithful, while Athletic Club bid a poignant farewell to long-serving head coach Ernesto Valverde.
The fixture, played out in the Spanish capital, saw Los Blancos control the proceedings for much of the evening, ultimately finishing a challenging campaign with a display that hinted at the potential within their squad.
A Night of Goals at the Bernabéu
The scoring opened early when Gonzalo García capitalised on a pinpoint cross from Dani Carvajal in the 11th minute to put the hosts ahead. Real Madrid doubled their lead just before the interval, with Jude Bellingham finding the back of the net in the 40th minute, expertly assisted by Thiago Pitarch. Although Athletic Club responded through a Gorka Guruzeta strike in stoppage time to make it 2-1, any hopes of a second-half comeback were quickly diminished.
Five minutes after the restart, Kylian Mbappé extended Real Madrid’s lead with a composed finish from the edge of the box. As the clock wound down, Brahim Díaz added a fourth for the hosts in the 87th minute. Athletic Club’s Urko Izeta managed to salvage some pride with a fine header in the 90th minute, but it was too little, too late for the visitors in a match that also saw moving tributes for Athletic’s departing personnel.
Jude Bellingham: A Fitting Finale
For England fans tracking Jude Bellingham’s progress in Spain, the midfielder once again proved his importance to the Madrid setup. His goal in the 40th minute served as a highlight of the match, showcasing his ability to find pockets of space and finish with precision. Bellingham, who played 73 minutes before being replaced by Dani Ceballos, was active throughout his time on the pitch, even picking up a yellow card in the 19th minute as he battled to maintain control in the middle of the park.
“We wanted to finish the season in front of our fans with a strong performance, and I believe we achieved that today. It is always special to score at the Bernabéu,” noted a member of the squad following the full-time whistle.
What it Means for the Season
The result provided a final flourish to what has been an intense year in La Liga. For Athletic Club, the match marked the emotional departure of head coach Ernesto Valverde, who concludes his tenure after a 40-year association with the club’s “La Gabarra” tradition, alongside Iñigo Lekue who bid his farewell on the pitch.
As for Real Madrid, the season now concludes as the club looks towards the summer break and the next chapter of their evolution under the current management. With stars like Mbappé and Bellingham finding their rhythm in the final weeks of the campaign, there is much to be optimistic about for supporters as the team prepares for the challenges of the 2026/27 season.
FAQ
Did Jude Bellingham score against Athletic Club?
Yes. Jude Bellingham scored the second goal for Real Madrid in the 40th minute, finishing a move set up by Thiago Pitarch to give his side a 2-0 lead at the time.
How did Real Madrid finish their season against Athletic Club?
Real Madrid finished their season with a 4-2 victory at home. Goals from Gonzalo García, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Brahim Díaz secured the win, while Gorka Guruzeta and Urko Izeta scored for the visitors.
Was this the final match of the 2025/26 La Liga season?
Yes, this match took place on the final day of the La Liga regular season, representing the 38th round of fixtures for both sides.
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As the Spanish football calendar pauses for the summer, this result serves as a reminder of the quality that resides at the Santiago Bernabéu. While the league campaign has come to a close, the performance serves as a springboard for players like Bellingham and Mbappé, who remain central to Real Madrid’s future ambitions both domestically and in Europe.
