MADRID — Robert Lewandowski’s Barcelona career ended exactly the way it began: with the Polish striker in the middle of a celebration, this time literally lifted by his teammates.
Barcelona wrapped up an immaculate home campaign — 19 wins in 19 matches — by beating Real Betis 3-1 at Camp Nou on Sunday in La Liga. Raphinha scored twice and João Cancelo added the other goal as the Catalan club finished unbeaten at home for the second consecutive season.
Lewandowski caps four productive years with exit
The 37-year-old Lewandowski departs after four season s having scored 119 goals in 192 appearances. He won three La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey with Barcelona.
“It has been an honor to play for this club,” Lewandowski said. “We've enjoyed some great moments in the se four years. I am very proud of everything we have achieved together. Today I say goodbye, but I will always carry Barcelona in my heart.”
The record did not need much decoration; it already did the talking.
Griezmann returns, Atlético tops Girona
Antoine Griezmann also touched farewelled Atlético Madrid supporters at the Metropolitano before his move to Major League Soccer. The hosts beat Girona 1-0.
“I didn't realize how much I loved you here,” Griezmann told the crowd. “I was very young. I made a mistake, I reconsidered, and we did everything we could to come back and enjoy it again.”
Coach Diego Simeone called the 35-year-old French forward “possibly the best one to have ever played here.” Griezmann is Atléti’s all-time leading scorer.
Mbappé starts as Real Madrid beats Sevilla
Sevilla avoided relegation despite a 1-0 home loss to Real Madrid. Vinícius Júnior scored for the visitors, who had already secured second place.
Kylian Mbappé started the match three days after saying coach Álvaro Arbeloa had made him the team’s fourth-choice striker during his injury layoff. He came off the bench in a win at Oviedo on Thursday in his return from a hamstring injury.
Alavés also guaranteed top-tier survival with a 1-0 win at already-relegated Oviedo.
One round remains. Levante sits 15th with 42 points — level with 16th-place Osasuna and 17th-place Elche. In the drop zone are 17th-place Girona (40 points), Mallorca (39) and Oviedo (29).