Girona and Mallorca's La Liga campaigns ended not with a fight but with a sigh. Both needed wins and favorable results elsewhere to climb out of the bottom three. Neither got what they needed.
Girona finished third just two seasons ago. A 1-1 home draw with Elche sent them down instead. Elche guaranteed its survival. Mallorca beat Real Oviedo 3-0 but couldn't overcome Osasuna and Levante on goal difference.
"I am torn up. It's our fault we are going down," Mallorca midfielder Sergi Darder said.
The relegation Picture shifted quietly throughout the afternoon. Celta Vigo claimed sixth and a Europa League berth after beating Sevilla 1-0. Getafe secured seventh and Conference League qualification with a win over Osasuna. Real Oviedo had already sunk to last place.
The top five—Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid, Real Betis—had wrapped up Champions League spots before the final round. The season concludes Sunday with Atletico at Villarreal to settle third.
Lewandowski's parting shot
Robert Lewandowski scored his 120th goal for Barcelona in his final appearance for the club, a 3-1 loss at Valencia. The 37-year-old striker and Barcelona agreed to part ways this summer after four seasons. Barcelona clinched the title with three matches remaining.
Madrid farewells
Dani Carvajal assisted Gonzalo García's opening goal in his last Real Madrid game, receiving a standing ovation and tears at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 34-year-old right back helped Madrid win six Champions League titles since 2013. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé added goals in a 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.
Coach Álvaro Arbeloa also departed, four months after replacing Xabi Alonso. Madrid finished second and without a trophy this campaign. Spanish reports suggest José Mourinho could return.
Defender David Alaba and César Azpilicueta played their final matches. Azpilicueta, 36, retired after Sevilla visited Celta Vigo. The former Chelsea captain won two Premier Leagues and the 2021 Champions League with the London club.