Real Madrid bid farewell to midfielder Toni Kroos in his final La Liga game for the club at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, as they played out a 0-0 draw against Real Betis.
The German international, who is retiring after Euro 2024, expressed his gratitude to the club, teammates, and fans, saying he felt at home during his 10 years at Madrid.
“It’s not easy, I can only say thanks to Madrid, the club, my team-mates, to the stadium, I’ve always felt at home here in these 10 years, I can’t ask for more, they’ve been 10 unforgettable years,” said Germany international Kroos, 34, who is retiring after Euro 2024.
With one match remaining in the season, the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1 at Wembley, the draw with Betis marked the end of a successful campaign for the Spanish champions.
Despite the lackluster result, Madrid finished the season with only one league defeat and maintained an unbeaten record at the Bernabeu.
Carlo Ancelotti fielded a strong side, likely the starting lineup for the final in London, but with little at stake beyond the risk of injury, the players did not push themselves. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid secured a 2-0 win against Real Sociedad, while Athletic Bilbao defeated Rayo Vallecano 1-0.
In relegation news, Almeria, who struggled for victories throughout the season, earned only their third win by thrashing Cadiz 6-1, lifting them off the bottom of the table and leaving Granada in 20th place.
Villarreal striker Alexander Sorloth suffered an injury during his team’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna, allowing Girona striker Artem Dovbyk to claim the golden boot with 24 goals, one ahead of the Norwegian.
