Real Madrid was unable to win the last match before the Champions League final against Dortmund. The result of the home match against Betis declined in any case due to Kroos' departure from the Bernabéu.
One last fun: Toni Kroos is celebrated by his teammates and fans.
imago pictures
After Villarreal's quick 4:4, Carlo Ancelotti's side had an emotional moment ahead of them in preparation for the Champions League final against Dortmund next Saturday (9pm, live! on Kicker). In the last match in the Spanish League, the Bernabéu bid farewell to Kroos, one of the great captains of the recent past.
All the team members, wearing Kroos jerseys, formed a line before kick-off. A large number of fans paid tribute to the choreography of the “legend” Cross. Ancelotti fielded a team that could also play against Dortmund at Wembley, with goalkeeper Courtois in goal.
But Betis, coached by Manuel Pellegrini, didn't just want to give the match ball to Real Madrid after the 2-0 defeat to Real Sociedad that evening. But the initial stage belonged to the home team. After a wonderful exchange between Rodrigo and Vinicius Junior, the former shot into the goal (14). Just one minute later, goalkeeper Fran Viets committed a foul, but Sokratis – in his last match of his career – saved the ball from the goal line.
Two goals for Betis do not count
Half an hour later, the Brazilian's connection worked again, but after Rodrigo's pass, Vinicius Junior failed with a heel trick (33'). Betis then came into the game and narrowly squandered the lead: Bellerin nodded the ball into the left corner (37').
Shortly afterwards, the ball crept into the net, but Courtois was not in good condition after a Miranda free-kick scored by Jonny (39'). However, minutes after the video was established, the offside position was penalized for former Munich player Roca, who intervened effectively.
After the break – Ancelotti also gave loan goalkeeper Kepa a final appearance on the pitch – Betis celebrated too early for a second time: Willian José made an effective intervention in finishing off Ayoze (65th).
Great feelings while switching
The match started to move forward in the last 25 minutes. Everyone was waiting for one moment: in the 87th minute, the time came, and while Dani Ceballos was waiting on the bench, a large crowd of players gathered on the pitch around Kroos, who was embraced by all his teammates. Coach Ancelotti applauded the bench, and Kroos' three sons shed many tears in the immediate vicinity.
After the final whistle – the 0-0 score did not matter much – the tributes continued. Kroos was thrown into the air by his teammates. But now the German European Championship driver is aiming for another big goal: his sixth Champions League title awaits next Saturday.
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