Two people hugging at a sporting event with a crowd in the background.
FIRST TEAM

Real Madrid - Real Sociedad: Summary of the latest LaLiga match

Mbappé closes the fight for the Golden Boot on a sentimental afternoon at Bernabéu

Victory for Real Madrid against Real Sociedad (2-0) on a highly exciting afternoon due to the already confirmed departure of Ancelotti and Modric. Both received constant tributes on a day when Mbappé came out with a knife between his teeth to achieve the Golden Boot.

Santiago Bernabéu dressed up to bid farewell to Carlo Ancelotti, Luka Modric, Lucas Vázquez, and Jesús Vallejo. Among them, three legends who will not be with the white team next season. An afternoon to prepare for the Club World Cup in terms of soccer and to say goodbye to several figures who have marked an era in Chamartín.

On his last day, Carlo Ancelotti decided to rotate in the goal and opted for Lunin between the posts. Additionally, Luka Modric and Lucas Vázquez also started. Meanwhile, Mbappé, at the forefront of the attack, sought the goal at all times to try to achieve the prestigious Golden Boot.

A large banner in a soccer stadium shows a portrait of a player with laurel leaves and the message
Bernabéu's tribute to Luka Modric | Real Madrid Confidencial

Mbappé had a clear objective

With several substitutes in Imanol Alguacil's farewell, Real Sociedad was about to take the lead on the scoreboard at 8 minutes. In a one-on-one between Sergio Gómez and Andriy Lunin, the Ukrainian goalkeeper stood tall and guessed the Spaniard's intentions. Meanwhile, Mbappé had also previously tested Marrero, who was alert to keep the draw.

It didn't take long for Bernabéu to chant the name of one of the day's protagonists. "Modric, Modric...", was heard in the Madrid stronghold when barely ten minutes of the match had passed. Later, the fans also sang a "Carletto, Carletto..." which was reciprocated by Ancelotti with a wave to the stands.

A gray-haired man in a dark suit applauds while looking up in a stadium.
Carlo Ancelotti replied to the farewell chants at Bernabéu | Real Madrid Confidencial

Meanwhile, Mbappé continued with his own. The Frenchman knew that with one goal he would surpass Gyökeres in the race for the Golden Boot. For that reason, the striker, with the goal in his sights, had up to three clear opportunities in just 15 minutes.

Real Sociedad was suffering, seeking air on the counterattack. Real Madrid's circulations began to pick up a lot of pace, and Marrero's figure started to stand out above his teammates. However, the local attacks, somewhat predictable, always sought the culmination of Mbappé.

However, everything could have changed in the 36th minute of the first half. Mbappé was about to open the scoring with a great shot that, once again, Marrero saved. Nevertheless, the referee decided to award a penalty in favor of Real Madrid for a previous handball by Marín after a control by Arda Güler.

The crowd chanted Modric's name to take the penalty, but the chosen one was Mbappé. Marrero saved the Frenchman's shot, but left a rebound that was indeed taken advantage of by the Real Madrid forward. This way, Kylian Mbappé, in addition to being the 'Pichichi' in his first season, could also lift the Golden Boot.

Two players in white jerseys hug on the field while the crowd watches.
Kylian Mbappé surpassed Gyökeres in the race for the Golden Boot | Real Madrid Confidencial

Victory to close the season

Real Madrid came out of the locker room tunnel with the same sensations as in the first half. Control of the ball at all times, installed in the opponent's field, and putting a lot of pace into the circulations. Real Sociedad found it extremely difficult to come out against a white team that regained possession with great ease.

Highlighting the combinations between Güler and Dani Ceballos, who understood each other perfectly when creating a fluid game. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé continued seeking another goal to keep the Golden Boot as secure as possible. Additionally, Carlo Ancelotti also gave minutes to Vinícius and Jesús Vallejo, so the Aragonese also had time to say goodbye at Bernabéu.

Vinícius had to replace a Brahim who requested the change after an action in which he felt muscle discomfort when stretching his leg. The Moroccan international didn't hesitate after getting hurt, and his presence at the start of the Club World Cup could be in jeopardy.

Soccer players from two different teams converse on the field during a match, with a referee watching nearby and a crowd in the stands.
The moment of Brahim Díaz's injury | Real Madrid Confidencial

The second for Real Madrid could have fallen in the 60th minute, but Marrero's hand appeared to frustrate Vinícius's first goal attempt. However, all eyes remained on the genius from Zadar. At every corner kick, Luka Modric received a tremendous ovation from all the fans present at Bernabéu.

The first farewell came in the 75th minute. It was Lucas Vázquez, who embraced his teammates. His departure is not confirmed, but Bernabéu assumed that the Galician will say goodbye to the club of his life after the Club World Cup.

With Modric, with Mbappé, with Valverde, with Vinícius, with Chendo, with Davide, or with Ancelotti.Lucas Vázquez, who said goodbye to everyone, had a particularly emotional gesture with the Italian coach. Luka Modric and Carlo Ancelotti were the names of the day, but Lucas, who ended up in tears, also had his great moment.

A group of players on the field while the crowd cheers in the stadium.
Lucas Vázquez could also say goodbye to Bernabéu | Real Madrid Confidencial

Eight minutes later, Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappé confirmed the victory with the Frenchman's 31st goal in La Liga. The Frenchman, with a great shot assisted by Vinícius, confirmed his Golden Boot. And indeed, Salah has to score four goals tomorrow against Palace to prevent the striker's award.

Thank you for everything, Luka

Goosebumps and tears in the eyes. A guard of honor from all the players to applaud Don Luka Modric. It was then that Toni Kroos appeared from the locker room tunnel to make everything more than perfect.

What a moment. Luka Modric returned to the field to place his hand on his chest and say goodbye for the last time to his people. He embraced his family with Bernabéu in pieces.

The player with the most titles in the club's history, one of the most beloved of all time. A moment difficult to match. And what still remains this afternoon...

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