Karim Benzema scores on final Real Madrid appearance and breaks record set by Cristiano Ronaldo

Karim Benzema scored and moments later received a standing ovation on his final appearance for Real Madrid.

The Frenchman equalised from the penalty spot to score his 18th goal against Athletic, overtaking Cristiano Ronaldo's record for most goals scored against the club.

Benzema was taken off almost immediately after by Carlo Ancelotti and the Bernabeu crowd gave him a standing ovation for the star who has 354 goals for the club.

As he came off the pitch, the 35-year-old looked emotional as he made his way to the bench as Ancelotti embraced him on the touchline.

Athletic Bilbao had gone a goal up through Oihan Sancet just moments into the second-half.

Dani Ceballos was guilty of giving the ball away before Bilbao went a goal up at the Bernabeu, which threatened to take Real down into third place behind rivals Atletico Madrid.

However, with 20 minutes to go, Real were awarded a controversial penalty.

Eder Militao went down clutching his face in the box after a free-kick was sent in with Yuri Berchiche adjudged to have fouled the Brazilian.

But the coolest man in the stadium stepped up to take the penalty and slotted in straight down the middle.

There was no chance of anyone taking the ball of Benzema when the spot-kick was awarded and he made sure that he gave the Bernabeu crowd one final cheer before departing.

And that is how the match ended as Real stayed second in La Liga ahead of Atletico despite a late chance from Vinicius Jr.

Benzema will see his contract expire at the end of June and it has already been announced that he will leave this summer.

There is a deal on the table from Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad, who have just won the Saudi Pro League under Nuno Espirito Santo.

Benzema has been with Real Madrid since 2009 after joining from Lyon and has gone on to become an undisputed legend.

In total, he has won 25 trophies with Los Blancos - including five Champions League titles.

And in 2022, he lifted the Ballon d'Or after almost single-handedly roping Madrid to the Champions League final after bruising performances against Manchester City and Chelsea.

A statement from Real Madrid read this week: "Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club.

"Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for who is already one of our greatest legends."

After 14 years at the club and 647 appearances, Benzema now looks set to join Ronaldo in the Middle East.

The Portuguese superstar signed for Al Nassr earlier this year and could be joined by several other iconic names in the coming weeks, including Benzema.

Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and N'Golo Kante have all been linked with moves to the Gulf state.