Benzema marks his final Real Madrid appearance with a goal

MADRID: French striker Karim Benzema marked his final Real Madrid appearance with a goal as they drew 1-1 their last game of the La Liga season at home to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

The 35-year-old, second on the club’s all-time record goal scoring list, slotted in from the penalty spot after Eder Militao was fouled in the box.

Real confirmed the end of Benzema’s 14-year stay at the Bernabeu on Sunday, before a reported move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad Club.

Sancet fired home after Thibaut Courtois had kept out his initial attempt, while the Belgium goalkeeper also saved a first-half penalty from Mikel Vesga following Toni Kroos’ handball.

Benzema cut a largely peripheral figure throughout his final game, but his spot-kick - rolled into the middle of the goal - provided a fitting conclusion to a glittering career in Spain which included five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles.

The France striker was replaced by Luka Modric in the 74th minute, leaving the field to a superb ovation from the home crowd. Marco Asensio, whose own eight-year spell with Real will come to an end this summer, received a similar reception when he was taken off during stoppage time.

But there was no farewell appearance for former Chelsea forward Eden Hazard, who was an unused substitute prior to his departure on 30 June.

Real Madrid ended the season second in the table behind champions Barcelona following Atletico Madrid’s 2-2 draw away to Villareal.

Elsewhere, Valladolid were relegated from La Liga to the Spanish second division, Liga Smart Bank, in a dramatic finale to the season.

Valladolid ended with a 0-0 draw at home against Getafe. Coupled with other results, this led to their relegation.

Elsewhere, Gabri Veiga likely made his final appearance for Celta memorable with a brace in their 2-1 win at home against Barcelona.

Cadiz secured safety after a 1-1 draw away to Elche and Betis and Valencia also drew 1-1. Two second-half goals from Ante Budimir secured Osasuna a spot in European football next season, with a 2-1 win at home against Girona.

Mallorca ended the season with a 3-0 home win against Rayo Vallecano. And, Real Sociedad capitalised on Sevilla’s Europa League hangover to end the season with a 2-1 win.