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May 26, 2024
Ahead of the UEFA Champions League championship match against Borussia Dortmund next weekend, Real Madrid played to a 0-0 draw with Real Betis in the final La Liga match of the season. In an emotional farewell, Toni Kroos received a standing ovation at the Santiago Bernabeu when he was substituted late in the game following the announcement of his departure from the club this summer.
Kroos bid an emotional goodbye as Real Madrid ended their season with a goalless draw. Despite enjoying territorial dominance for much of the match, it was Betis who came closest to scoring. They appeared to have taken the lead before halftime, but VAR ruled that Marc Roca was just offside when he challenged Thibaut Courtois, allowing Johnny Cardoso to convert from close range.
Real’s best opportunity came in the first half when Vinicius Junior attempted a backheel from close range, but Fran Vieites made a crucial save. Courtois also showcased his skills, making several impressive stops, particularly against Ayose Perez and Juan Miranda, solidifying his readiness for the Champions League final.
Kroos exited the field three minutes before the final whistle, sharing heartfelt embraces with his teammates as he left the Bernabeu for the last time.
Toni Kroos will undoubtedly be missed at Real Madrid. While the potential arrival of Kylian Mbappe could bolster the attack, Kroos’s absence might create a significant void unless Aurelien Tchouameni or Eduardo Camavinga can rise to the occasion. If Mbappe played alongside Kroos at PSG, one could argue that he might have secured a Champions League title before joining Los Blancos.
Any all-time Real Madrid midfield would likely center around Alfredo Di Stefano, who, despite wearing the No. 9, served as the creative force behind the front line. No team would be complete without Zinedine Zidane in a left-of-center role. At the same time, Luis Figo and Michel from La Quinta del Buitre make compelling cases for positions on the right.
As the midfield “steering wheel,” Kroos may be considered slightly behind ‘El Principe’ Fernando Redondo—voted the best foreign La Liga player of the 1990s—and Xabi Alonso. However, while he may lack the individual accolades of those players (or even his compatriot Uli Steinike from the late 1970s and early 1980s), Kroos has played nearly twice as many games for the club.
Kroos, alongside Luka Modric, has been instrumental in maintaining the team’s success following the departures of Sergio Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema. Together, they form the heart of this highly successful era in the club’s history, during which Kroos has won 21 trophies and counting.
As a pairing, it’s hard to dispute that Kroos and Modric represent one of the best central combinations in the illustrious history of Real Madrid.
Courtois had a bit of luck when Real Betis’s disallowed goal was overturned. Although he was partially sighted when he pushed the ball straight to Cardoso, who managed to score, he ultimately stood out in a match marked by entertaining yet goalless play. Courtois made the two best saves of the night, solidifying his performance.
Real Madrid
Courtois 8*; Carvajal 6, Rudiger 6, Nacho 6, Mendy 6; Valverde 6, Camavinga 7, Kroos 7, Bellingham 6; Rodrygo 6, Vinicius Junior 7.
Subs: Militao 6, Kepa 6, Modric 7, Vazquez 6, Ceballos 6.
Real Betis
Vieites 7; Sabaly 7; Papastathopoulos 7; Visus 6; Juan Miranda 7; Marc Roca 6, Cardoso 6; Bellerin 6, Rodri 6; Ayoze Perez 7; Willian Jose 6.
Subs: Altimira 6, Ezzalzouli 6.
15′ – AWfUL CLEARANCE FROM VIEITES PUTS BETIS IN TROUBLE!
Camavinga gifted the ball to Vinicius Jr, who controlled it perfectly on his chest. Vieites pushed the ball away as he rounded the keeper, and Mendy’s follow-up was cleared off the line.
34′ – AUDACIOUS BACKHEEL 34 AUDACIOUS OFF!
Rodrygo made a fine run to the byline and pulled the ball back for Vinicius Jr., who attempted a backheel shot and forced a great save from Vieites.
38′ – BELLERIN WASTES FINE CHANCE!
The former Arsenal player found himself unmarked in the box, meeting Sabaly’s Sabaly’sth free header from eight yards out, but he sent it wide.
39’39 GOAL! REAL MADRID 0-1 REAL BETIS (CARDOSO)!
In a surprising turn of events, Cardoso capitalized on a fumble from Courtois, who was under pressure from Roca. Cardoso controlled the ball just three yards out and smashed it home.
43′ – THE GOAL IS DISALLOWED…
The referee had to consult the touchline for an offside call. Roca was deemed slightly offside when he challenged Courtois, Roca’sering with play.
51′ – FINE STOP FROM COURTOIS!
The Belgian keeper tipped a curling shot from Ayoze Perez from the edge of the box onto the bar.
54′ – GREAT SAVE AT THE OTHER END!
Vinicius Jr. turned and shot in one motion, but Vieites was wrong-footed and parried the effort away.
61′ – AYOZE PUTS THROUGH MIRANDA!
Miranda’s strike seemed destined for the bottom left corner before Courtois’s ‘left hand diverted it off the turf and over the bar.
85′ – KROOS HITS A FINE CURLING EFFORT!
View Courtois made a fantastic save, diving to his right to deny Kroos a dramatic finish.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Latest Football News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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