Mbappé’s Double Shines as Ancelotti Bows Out in Style: Real Madrid Concludes Season with Victory Against Sociedad

In his final match as Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti orchestrated a fitting farewell with a 2-0 triumph over Real Sociedad, capping an emotional season finale and paving the way for Xabi Alonso’s upcoming appointment in the capital.

The fans at the Bernabeu honoured Real Madrid’s most decorated player and manager before kick-off, bidding farewell to both Luka Modric (28 trophies) and Ancelotti (15) who are set to depart the club this summer.

While Kylian Mbappé was eager to clinch the European Golden Boot ahead of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, his first attempt was thwarted by Unai Marrero.

Despite having little at stake on the final day, Sociedad was keen to secure a top-half finish for the seventh consecutive season, although Sergio Gomez found himself unable to break through Andriy Lunin in a one-on-one scenario.

Mbappé then skied a shot over the bar after being set up by the influential Arda Guler, and Marrero made an excellent save to deny Federico Valverde’s effort.

As the first half approached its conclusion, Pablo Marin conceded a penalty for the visitors when he shielded his face from the ball. Mbappé stepped up, and while Marrero saved his initial penalty, the Frenchman capitalised on the rebound to register his 30th league goal of the season.

With the exception of Gómez’s early chance, Sociedad displayed minimal attacking intent, a trend that continued into the second half. Mbappé was on the hunt for another goal to effectively eliminate Mohamed Salah from Golden Boot contention, though it took some time.

This delay was partially due to Marrero’s excellent form, but with only seven minutes remaining, he was finally breached again when substitute Vinícius Júnior found Mbappé overlapping, enabling the forward to slot the ball in at the near post.

The closing moments resembled a farewell parade, featuring a guard of honour as Modrić was substituted for the last time in a Los Blancos jersey.

As the final whistle blew, emotions ran high, with Ancelotti and Lucas Vázquez also bidding adieu to Real Madrid, while Imanol Alguacil concluded nearly seven years at the Sociedad helm, and Mario Melero Lopez retired after a distinguished decade as a La Liga referee.

For more insights on the match, click here.