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Kylian Mbappe netted both goals at the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid pocked a 2-0 win over Sociedad.
Real Madrid picked up a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad. (AP)
Spanish giants Real Madrid registered a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday to close out a trophyless season with a win as Kylian Mbappe netted both goals at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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“It’s been a pleasure to coach this club,” Ancelotti said while speaking after his final game for the Spanish heavyweights
“It’s been unforgettable,” the Italian added.
“The moment that I didn’t want to arrive has arrived,” Croatian Modric stated.
“But it’s been a long journey, a wonderful journey,” the 39-year-old.
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Modric received a standing ovation from the Bernabeu crowd and couldn’t hold back his tears. The fans chanted his name, and some held signs thanking Modric and Ancelotti.
As the team captain on Saturday, Modric hugged his teammates and then his wife and children, who waited by the sideline. He also embraced Toni Kroos, who left Madrid last season after they formed one of the greatest midfields in the club’s history.
A video showcasing Modric’s key moments was displayed on the stadium’s videoboards. The midfielder will still participate in the Club World Cup next month.
Modric helped Madrid win six European Cups, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four Spanish leagues, two Copas del Rey, and five Spanish Super Cups. He is one of only five players to have won six European Cups.
The Croatia international made 591 appearances for Madrid, ranking eighth on the club’s all-time list, and scored 43 goals. He had been playing fewer minutes in recent seasons under Ancelotti.
Ancelotti is leaving after four mostly successful seasons in this stint, which ended on a down note as the club lost the Spanish league title and was eliminated in the Champions League.
He also coached the club from 2013-15. In total, he led Madrid in more than 350 matches, helping the team win three Champions Leagues, three Club World Cups, two Spanish leagues, two Copas del Rey, three UEFA Super Cups, and two Spanish Super Cups.
Mbappe scored in the 38th and 83rd minutes, taking his league-leading tally to 30, five more than Robert Lewandowski. He and Barcelona, the league champion, will finish the season at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
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