Real Madrid Draws Against Betis in Emotional Kroos’ Last Match
Real Madrid, already crowned La Liga champions, played to a goalless draw against Real Betis in midfielder Toni Kroos’ final match at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The German international, who will retire from professional football after Euro 2024, which will be held in his home country, received a guard of honor from both teams before the match and left the field in the 86th minute to a standing ovation from the entire stadium.
Kroos has won 22 trophies in his decade with the “merengue” team. These include 6 Club World Cups, 5 Champions League titles, 4 La Ligas, 3 Bundesligas, and a World Cup in 2014.
“It’s not easy. I can only say thank you to the Madrid fans, the club, my teammates, the stadium… I have always felt at home over these ten years. I couldn’t ask for more; these have been ten unforgettable years,” said Kroos on RMTV.
The match was end-to-end, with chances for both teams. Betis started the first half with a goal that was eventually disallowed for a controversial offside. Despite a total of 24 shots, the game ended goalless.
Attention now turns to next Saturday’s Champions League final at Wembley, where Carlo Ancelotti’s team will face Borussia Dortmund in pursuit of their 15th European title, which could be Kroos’ sixth Champions League title.
