Newly-crowned champions Real Madrid piled on the misery for relegated Granada as they eased to a 4-0 win in their LaLiga clash at Los Carmenes on Saturday.
Fran Garcia and Arda Guler struck in the first half for Carlo Ancelotti’s much-changed Champions League finalists before Brahim Diaz added a double after the break.
Granada’s relegation had been confirmed following Mallorca’s victory over Las Palmas earlier in the day and the hosts could do little to deny Real an eighth successive league win.
Granada tried to put on a brave face on their day of dejection and formed a guard of honour to welcome Real to the field.
Real, despite having made 10 changes from the side that beat Bayern Munich in dramatic circumstances on Wednesday, took full advantage of the hospitality.
After an uneventful start, Real first threatened when Garcia fizzed in a cross that proved too strong for his team-mates.
Granada, trying to give their fans something to cheer, at least tried to play positively and Myrto Uzuni almost got on the end of a Carlos Neva cross.
Bruno Mendez forced Thibaut Courtois into a save with a looping header and the goalkeeper also had to save after a Luca Boye cutback took a wicked deflection off Eduardo Camavinga.
🏁 @GranadaCF 0-4 @RealMadrid⚽ 38′ @Frangarcia_11⚽ 45’+2′ @10ardaguler⚽ 49′ @Brahim⚽ 58′ @Brahim#GranadaRealMadrid | #Emirates pic.twitter.com/bPh7Hw8fRa
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 11, 2024
But Granada’s heads dropped after Real grabbed the lead seven minutes before the interval.
After good work down the right, Diaz pulled back across goal and Garcia raced in to guide home with his left foot.
Things got immediately worse for the hosts as they conceded again in stoppage time.
This time Garcia was the provider from the left, picking out Guler in front of goal. Guler took a touch and produced a composed finish.
Diaz made it 3-0 with a fine individual effort four minutes into the second half.
The former Manchester City midfielder turned just inside the Granada half and charged upfield before cutting inside two defenders and clipping a low shot into the net from the edge of the area.
A superb move led to Real’s fourth just before the hour.
Granada were helpless as Real picked their way through the defence with a series of intricate passes before Luka Modric pulled back for Diaz to turn and fire past Augusto Batalla.
Granada were in danger of completely capitulating but Batalla saved from midweek hero Joselu, who then saw another effort blocked.
Real also appealed for a penalty for handball against Neva but nothing was given.
Granada rallied in search of a late consolation but Ricard Sanchez was unable to make the most of an opportunity following a corner.
