The Result Has A Second Meaning
BARCELONA, Spain — The final round of La Liga delivered the expected outcomes and a few genuine surprises as the season wound down on Saturday. Celta Vigo claimed sixth place and a Europa League berth with a 1-0 win over Sevilla, while Getafe clinched seventh and Conference League qualification by beating Osasuna 1-0.
Below the European places, the relegation picture told a harder story. Girona needed a victory against Elche to escape the bottom three but could only manage a 1-1 draw at home—a result that ensured Elche's safety and sent Girona down alongside Mallorca and Real Oviedo. It's a sharp fall for a club that finished third just two seasons ago.
The trophy did not need much decoration; the season had already done most of the talking.
Mallorca beat Oviedo 3-0 yet still descended. The mathematics were straightforward: Osasuna's superior goal difference over both Mallorca and Levante made the difference. "I am torn up. It's our fault we are going down," midfielder Sergi Darder said after the match.
Higher up the table, Robert Lewandowski played his final game for Barcelona in a 3-1 loss at Valencia. The 37-year-old striker scored his 120th goal for the club at Mestalla Stadium, a quiet exit for a player who helped Barcelona clinch the title with three rounds remaining. He'll leave this summer after four seasons.
The Part Worth Keeping
At the Santiago Bernabeu, Dani Carvajal received a standing ovation and wiped away tears before being substituted in his last game for Real Madrid. The 34-year-old right back assisted Gonzalo García for the opening goal in a 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao, with Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé adding goals. Carvajal won six Champions League titles with Madrid since 2013.
Manager Álvaro Arbeloa also bowed out, four months after replacing Xabi Alonso. Real Madrid finished second with no trophies this campaign. Spanish media reports suggest José Mourinho is close to returning to the club.
Former Chelsea defender César Azpilicueta played his final professional match before retiring when Sevilla visited Celta. The 36-year-old helped Chelsea win two Premier Leagues and the 2021 Champions League.
The season concludes on Sunday with Atletico Madrid at Villarreal to settle third place.