La Liga: Benzema strikes on Madrid farewell, Valladolid relegated

MADRID: Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema netted a penalty in his farewell La Liga game at the Santiago Bernabeu but was unable to inspire his side to victory as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Athletic Club on Sunday.

Elsewhere Real Valladolid were relegated after a nil-nil draw with Getafe, while five other sides near the bottom were able to breathe a sigh of relief on the final matchday of the season.

Champions Barcelona end the La Liga 2022-23 with a 2-1 defeat at Celta Vigo, with Gabri Veiga’s brace ensuring that his side remains in the top flight next season.

Karim Benzema, who would leave Real Madrid after spending 14 years at the club, struck from the spot to level the game, before being substituted to great applause.

The draw ensured that Real Madrid would finish ahead of city rivals Atletico Madrid in second place as Diego Simeone’s side was held to a 2-2 draw at Villarreal on the final day.

Apart from Valladolid, Espanyol and Elche were also demoted from the top-tier Spanish League, occupying the last two spots on the table.

Almeria, on the other hand, survived the La Liga elimination on a thin margin, with Adri Embarba’s netting a penalty three minutes before time to earn his side a 3-3 draw against Espanyol.

Almeria finished 17th on the table with 41 points, only one point above the relegated Valladolid.

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