Kylian Mbappe delivered a match-winning performance on a deeply sentimental day at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring both goals in Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday.
The brace all but secured him the European Golden Shoe while Real Madrid paid tribute to two of its most iconic figures, Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modric, who marked their final home appearance for the club.
Ancelotti, who will be departing to take up the role of Brazil’s head coach, leaves behind a glittering legacy, having guided Madrid to 15 trophies across two spells and six years in total. Meanwhile, Modric, who will still feature at the Club World Cup later this year, played his last match at the Bernabeu.
The Croatian midfielder was substituted late in the game, greeted by a standing ovation and a guard of honour, while banners and chants from the stands honored his decade-long service to the club.
The emotional weight of the occasion did not distract Madrid from business on the pitch, where Mbappe rose to the occasion.
The French striker’s two goals not only lifted his side to a home win but also positioned him ahead of Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres in the Golden Shoe race. With 30 league goals now to his name, Mbappe has created a sizeable gap from competitors, though Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah remains a remote threat, needing four goals in his final league outing on Sunday to snatch the award.
Real Madrid began with high intensity, creating chances early on. Mbappe saw an initial attempt parried by Unai Marrero before sending another effort over the bar. Real Sociedad nearly stunned the hosts when Sergio Gomez broke free, but Andriy Lunin made a crucial stop to preserve the stalemate.
The game’s turning point came after Pablo Marin was adjudged to have handled the ball while trying to intercept Arda Guler’s clever flick. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty. Although Mbappe’s initial spot-kick was saved by Marrero, he reacted quickly to slot in the rebound, bringing the Bernabeu to its feet with his landmark 30th goal of the league campaign.
Ancelotti was forced into a substitution after Brahim Diaz sustained an injury, bringing on Vinicius Junior to maintain Madrid’s attacking threat. The Brazilian forward would later turn provider, assisting Mbappe’s second goal that left him six clear of Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski in the La Liga scoring chart.
Lucas Vazquez, another long-serving member of the squad whose contract ends this summer, received an emotional send-off when substituted, with the Bernabeu faithful applauding his years of dedication, having spent his entire Madrid career—bar one loan season—at the club.
As the clock wound down, the stadium was filled with emotion. Modric’s substitution was the climax of the afternoon’s tributes. Many supporters were visibly in tears as he embraced longtime teammate Toni Kroos by the sideline, a symbolic moment reflecting the end of an era.
Despite finishing second in La Liga behind bitter rivals Barcelona, who also beat Madrid in both the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals, the club managed to close their domestic campaign on a high. Barcelona, the newly crowned champions, will round off their season against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
Looking ahead to the Club World Cup in the United States, Madrid will carry with them the spirit of their departing legends and the firepower of a striker in golden form.
What you should know
Kylian Mbappe scored twice in Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad, likely clinching the European Golden Shoe.
The match marked the emotional final home appearances for legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti and midfielder Luka Modric, as Madrid fans bid farewell with chants, banners, and standing ovations.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM VERILY NEWS
