A Career Built on Details
Girona and Mallorca's La Liga chapters ended on Saturday, both sent down after final-day results went against them. Girona needed three points against Elche but could only manage a draw at home — that single point was enough to keep Elche safe and send Girona down alongside last-placed Real Oviedo. Mallorca did its part, beating Oviedo 3-0, yet goal difference against Osasuna and Levante proved unforgiving.
The irony was stark: two seasons ago, Girona finished third in the league. This year, the same club occupies a relegation spot, with nothing left to play for but pride in the second division next season.
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 Record He Leaves
Celta Vigo claimed sixth and a Europa League spot by beating Sevilla 1-0. Getafe secured seventh and Conference League qualification with a 1-0 win over Osasuna. The top five — Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid, Real Betis — had already locked their places before the final round.
Robert Lewandowski finished his Barcelona career with a goal in a 3-1 loss at Valencia, his 120th in blue and burgundy. At 37, the striker and the club mutually decided to part ways this summer after four seasons. He leaves as the league champion, Barcelona having secured the title with three rounds remaining.
Dani Carvajal wept on his last day at Real Madrid. The Santiago Bernabeu gave him ovations when substituted, and the veteran right back assisted Gonzalo García for the opening goal in a 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé added the others. Carvajal, 34, helped Madrid win six Champions Leagues since 2013, his run ending with the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold this season.
The Part People Remember
"Today I can't stop recalling the golden age we shared," a tearful Carvajal told the crowd after the game.
Coach Álvaro Arbeloa also bowed out, four months after replacing Xabi Alonso. Madrid finished second, trophy-less this campaign. Spanish media speculate José Mourinho could return. Defender David Alaba played his final match for the club.
César Azpilicueta, the 36-year-old former Chelsea defender, retired after Sevilla visited Celta. He ends his career having won two Premier Leagues and the 2021 Champions League with Chelsea.