Madrid
With Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos and Thibaut Courtois all sitting on the bench, Betis forward Loren Moron put the visitor in front in the 61st minute. He completed a sweeping counter-attack by slamming the ball into the roof of the net from close range. Former Madrid forward Jese Rodriguez sealed the victory for Betis by tapping into the net in the 75th minute. The tourist finished the season 10th in the standings, but has earned away victories at the Nou Camp and the Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid ended the campaign third on 68 points, its lowest total since the 2001/02 season. It lost 12 league games for the first time since the 1998/99 campaign. The host finished eight points behind runner-up Atletico Madrid and 19 behind champion Barcelona, which drew 2-2 Eibar later on Sunday.
Madrid’s only good opening in another dismal display fell to top scorer Karim Benzema, who struck the post from inside the box in the first half. Betis dominated the play and would have scored earlier had it not been for some impressive saves by Keylor Navas. The Costa Rican was given a rousing reception from supporters in what was believed to be his last game for the club.
Spanish media reports also say that Bale will not be at the club next season. But the Wales forward, who was left out of the squad for last week’s defeat at Real Sociedad, was given no opportunity for a final run out at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s record signing Bale was seen grimacing as he sat on the bench when his side was 0-2 down and when the full-time whistle came, he walked straight down the tunnel without acknowledging the fans.
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