Real Madrid 1-1 Athletic Bilbao: Benzema gets farewell goal as Blancos cling onto second

Karim Benzema marked his Real Madrid farewell with a goal in a 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao, as Los Blancos clung onto second place on the final day of the LaLiga season.

The veteran forward – who is expected to head to Saudi Arabia after announcing his departure on Sunday – converted a penalty as Madrid fought back to clinch a point at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Athletic had been denied an early opener when Thibaut Courtois kept out Mikel Vesga’s spot-kick, but Ernesto Valverde’s visitors struck first through Oihan Sancet after half-time.

Benzema’s equaliser however cost them a spot in the Europa Conference League, with Carlo Ancelotti’s men clinging onto second following Atleti’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal elsewhere.

Athletic had the chance to go ahead from the spot when Toni Kroos handled Inaki Williams’ header 10 minutes in, but Courtois sprung to his right to push Vesga’s tame kick away.

Unai Simon subsequently tipped Vinicius Junior’s drive wide as Madrid’s threat grew, and the Athletic goalkeeper remained alert to prevent Rodrygo from rounding him as an open first half ended goalless.

We you, @Benzema!#GraciasKarim pic.twitter.com/7PLenHL7bE

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) June 4, 2023

Athletic saw another bright start rewarded in the second half though with Ander Herrera dispossessing Dani Ceballos to tee up Sancet, who squeezed his shot beyond Courtois at the second attempt.

Madrid reaped a penalty of their own however after Yuri Berchiche caught Eder Militao in the face, and Benzema made no mistake from the spot, before he was substituted to a standing ovation.

Los Blancos were unable to find a winner without their talisman however, with Rodrygo missing a glaring chance, but their point nevertheless preserved second to end the season.