The Decision Behind The Move
BARCELONA — Girona and Mallorca both needed wins and favorable results elsewhere to escape the bottom three spots. They got neither.
Girona could only manage a 1-1 draw at home against Elche, a result that ensured Elche's safety while sending the visitors down to the second division alongside Mallorca and Real Oviedo. Mallorca beat Oviedo 3-0 but finished below the safety line on goal difference despite the victory.
The numbers are doing most of the announcement work here, which is usually how teams prefer it.
"I am torn up. It's our fault we are going down," Mallorca midfielder Sergi Darder said.
The irony was not lost on either club. Girona finished third in La Liga just two seasons ago. Mallorca needed a mathematical miracle and instead got a reality check.
The Job Ahead
Higher up the table, Celta Vigo secured sixth place and a Europa League berth with a 1-0 win over Sevilla. Getafe claimed seventh and Conference League qualification by beating Osasuna 1-0.
Robert Lewandowski scored his 120th goal for Barcelona in his final appearance for the club, netting in a 3-1 loss at Valencia. The 37-year-old striker and Barcelona mutually decided to part ways this summer after four seasons. He leaves as the club's third-highest scorer in the competition's history.
At the Bernabeu, Dani Carvajal received a standing ovation 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. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé added goals. Carvajal helped Madrid win six Champions League titles since 2013 as first-choice right back.
"Today I can't stop recalling the golden age we shared," a tearful Carvajal told the crowd after the match.
The Pressure That Remains
Coach Álvaro Arbeloa also bid farewell, four months after replacing Xabi Alonso. Madrid finished second this season without a trophy. Defender David Alaba played his final match for the club.
César Azpilicueta, 36, played his last professional match before retiring as Sevilla visited Celta. The former Chelsea defender won two Premier Leagues and the 2021 Champions League with the English club.
The season concludes on Sunday with Atletico Madrid at Villarreal to determine third place.