Valverde's 504th and final game in charge of Athletic Club was a fitting occasion on a day loaded with ceremony — Real Madrid were also saying farewell to Dani Carvajal, who played his final match in white — but the result reflected the distance between the two clubs this season.
Kylian Mbappé scored for the hosts and goals from Jude Bellingham sealed a comfortable victory for the LaLiga runners-up.
Edin Terzic, the former Borussia Dortmund head coach, has already been confirmed as Valverde's successor on a two-year deal, making him the first foreign manager at Athletic since Toto Berizzo in 2018. Valverde was asked what advice he would offer the German upon his arrival at San Mamés.
"I would tell him not to listen to me — I'm not usually much good as an advisor. The best thing is that this club is special. And he will realise that from the moment he arrives."
He also reflected honestly on a season that fell short of expectations.
"The heat had a significant effect. The 2-1 at half-time left us close to them, but they have the quality they have. Mbappé can score in any situation."
On the campaign as a whole, Valverde did not shy away from the disappointment.
"In the league it is not what we wanted. We have not done as well as the expectations raised at the start of the season. I am very emotional about finishing and because I believe it is the right moment to leave and become a supporter again."
His send-off from the players and staff was emotional. The Real Madrid players and Athletic's own squad joined together to form a guard of honour for Carvajal at full time, a moment Valverde described as natural.
"It was done by the Real Madrid players and our players followed by instinct, because in football there is always respect."
Valverde's three spells at the club have produced some of the most significant moments in their recent history, including the Copa del Rey title in 2024 — their first in 40 years — and a return to the Champions League the following season. This campaign, a twelfth-place LaLiga finish, was the difficult coda to an otherwise remarkable chapter.
Athletic will now build under Terzic, who arrives with Champions League experience from Dortmund and two years without a club following his exit in June 2024. Valverde's legacy will be the standard he sets.