The Bernabéu bids farewell and pays tribute to Ancelotti and Modric against Real Sociedad.

Ahead of the Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14 in the United States, Real Madrid will close out the La Liga season this afternoon at the Bernabéu against Real Sociedad in a match that is irrelevant for qualification and which the Whites hope to turn into a grand farewell tribute to Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modric, although the Croatian will continue until the World Cup.

Ancelotti, in a heartfelt press conference, poured out his emotions from his six seasons in charge at the Bernabéu. He said his best moments were the three Champions League titles won and the European comebacks, and welcomed Xabi Alonso, despite the fact that Madrid has yet to officially announce the signing of the Tolosa native, whom he intends to unveil next Monday. "I don't want to give advice because everyone has their own methodology. But I hope he enjoys Madrid. Xabi Alonso will be the first, and I wish him all the luck in the world. He has the quality to coach Madrid," he stated.

Ancelotti praises Modric “It makes quality and soul compatible”

Everything surrounding Ancelotti's departure has been strange. Madrid officially announced the Italian's departure yesterday, a move already made public by the Brazilian Confederation a week earlier, and Ancelotti himself confirmed the decision in a press conference a few days later. The coach also offered glowing praise for Modric yesterday: "He's been an example for everyone. There are many players with great quality, but he's different because he's managed to combine quality with soul."

Ancelotti knows that a cycle is coming to an end: “This generation, like everything, must end at some point. And many have already left: Casemiro, Cristiano, Kroos, Benzema... and Madrid has remained the best club in the world. It will continue to be so because it has the tools to be so.”

Madrid's squad Vinícius and Brahim return

The new addition to Madrid's squad this afternoon is the return of Vinícius, Brahim, and Raúl Asencio. The first two are not expected to start. It will also be the last game for Jesús Vallejo, who is not going to the World Cup. Lucas Vázquez will initially be playing, but his contract will not be renewed. Eight players remain out: Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Rüdiger, Mendy, Camavinga, Rodrygo, and Endrick, plus Jude Bellingham, who is suspended.

Real Sociedad also bid farewell to their manager, Imanol Alguacil, the Orio native who spent just over six years in charge of the San Sebastian team, whom he helped win the Copa del Rey again 34 years later and who once qualified for the Champions League.

The Royal Society Imanol Alguacil also says goodbye

This match could also be the last for Martín Zubimendi, the best product of the Zubieta youth academy in recent years, whose departure is practically a given, almost certainly to the Premier League .

Alguacil arrives at the Bernabéu with three announced absences: Óskarsson, Becker, and Aguerd. The Orio native's record at the Bernabéu isn't bad: in a total of eight visits to the league and cup competitions, he's won three times, lost three times, and drawn two.