As the curtain falls on the 2024/25 La Liga campaign, Real Madrid return to the Santiago Bernabéu for one final time under the guidance of legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti. With 15 trophies to his name across two spells, Ancelotti departs the Spanish capital to take up the Brazil national team job, closing the chapter on one of the most successful managerial reigns in the club's illustrious history.

Though this season has fallen short of the club’s silverware expectations, with Barcelona claiming the league crown and only the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup added to the cabinet, Los Blancos are ending on a strong note. Back-to-back La Liga wins and three successive home victories illustrate a side determined to see out the campaign with dignity.

Real Madrid’s home form this season has been formidable: 15 wins from 18 league matches at the Bernabéu (W15, D1, L2). While recent games have been tighter - each of their last six home league fixtures decided by a single-goal margin (W5, L1) - those fine margins have largely been a product of defensive absences, which are now easing.

It’s also a transitional period for the visitors. Long-serving manager Imanol Alguacil will depart after a campaign that has ultimately failed to meet expectations. A dramatic 3-2 victory over Girona last weekend was a defiant final flourish, but it came too late after a damaging six-game winless run (D2, L4) extinguishing their hopes of European football next season.

Away form has been a particular issue. La Real have managed just one win in their last 10 La Liga away matches (D2, L7), with performances lacking conviction and structure - traits once synonymous with Alguacil’s side. The daunting task of travelling to the Bernabéu, where they have won just once league fixture since 2004, comes at a time of low morale and limited motivation.

History, therefore, favours Los Blancos, who have won each of the last four league meetings with Real Sociedad, as well as Carlo Ancelotti remaining unbeaten at home against La Real in all managerial encounters (W4, D2). With the motivation to give their manager a proper send-off and the tactical superiority to dominate possession and territory, Real Madrid have every reason to close the season with another victory.

As we approach the penultimate round of the Turkish Süper Lig, newly-crowned champions Galatasaray travel to Göztepe. Okan Buruk’s men have been emphatic throughout the season, suffering just one defeat and boasting the league’s best defensive record at 0.9 goals conceded per game. But with the pressure now off and the shackles loosened, this clash presents a compelling case for goals at both ends.

Promoted Göztepe have made their mark in the top-flight with an enterprising style of play, particularly at home. Averaging 1.68 goals per game across the season, they’ve been even more prolific on their own patch, netting at 2.11 goals per game and scoring in all but one home outing.

However, the defensive solidity that defined the early stages of their campaign has noticeably faded. They’ve conceded in each of their last six home matches, leading to both teams scoring (BTTS) as a result. Their expansive approach, while entertaining, has come at the cost of defensive control.

Galatasaray, meanwhile, continue to showcase why they are worthy champions. Averaging 2.53 goals per away game, they’ve scored at least twice in six of their last seven road fixtures in the league, with only 2nd-placed Beşiktaş managing to keep them to a single goal. Remarkably, they’ve found the net in every one of their 27 away games this season across all competitions - a testament to their attacking depth and consistency.

However, with the title wrapped up, you would be forgiven for thinking that there wouldn’t be a natural softening in their defensive edge. The statistical case for BTTS is further strengthened by recent history. Each of the last seven head-to-head meetings between these sides has seen both teams find the net. With Göztepe desperate to finish the season strongly in front of their fans and Galatasaray playing with freedom and flair, a goal for each side feels more than plausible.