"End of an era" - Twitter erupts as Karim Benzema signs off with a bang by breaking iconic Cristiano Ronaldo record for Real Madrid

Karim Benzema broke a Cristiano Ronaldo record in his final game for Real Madrid, against Athletic Bilbao. The Frenchman is now the leading goal-scorer against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga. Fans on Twitter went into a meltdown watching the action unfold.

The first half was a cagey affair as both sides failed to score. Bilbao, though, had a golden opportunity from the penalty spot. Thibaut Courtois was at his best to deny Mikel Vesga.

The visitors eventually took the lead in the second half through Oihan Sancet. Their move started after Dani Ceballos lost the ball. While Courtois kept out Sancet's initial effort, he found the back of the net on the rebound (49').

Karim Benzema signed off as a Los Blancos player in style as he scored the equalizer in the 72nd minute. The Frenchman scored from the penalty spot and recorded his 18th goal against Bilbao, breaking Ronaldo's record. The goal also marked the Frenchman's 354th for the Spanish club.

Los Blancos had to be satisfied with a draw and ended the season in the third place with 78 points on the board, one less than city rivals Atletico.

Here are some of the best reactions as Real Madrid's final game of the season ended all square against Athletic Bilbao:

Karim Benzema and Santiago Bernabéu. The last dance after 354 goals and 165 assists. ⚪️✨ #RealMadrid

…Karim will travel to Saudi very soon.

End of an era. https://t.co/862eejhUIZ

⚽ 72' | 1-1 | ¡¡¡GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL de @Benzema!!!
#FIFA23 | #RealMadridAthletic https://t.co/Al6GwzlzUH

It was a pleasure!

Thank you for some unreal 14 years, @Benzema 🤍 https://t.co/AOphx1XSBG

Karim Benzema leaves the pitch for the last time as Real Madrid player. 💔😢

https://t.co/RmWx5cKf66

🇫🇷 Karim Benzema has now scored more La Liga goals against Athletic Club than any other player in the history (18), breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's record. @Squawka https://t.co/8tjAwdGuZv

Karim Benzema is OFF, his last ever appearance for Real Madrid.

Thank you, king! ❤️

My love, My idol, My hero of last 15 years in football. Ronaldo made us believe never give up in life, Benzema made us believe hard work will one day pay off no matter what. Thank you Karim Benzema for inspiring me & millions of fans worldwide.

Real Madrid & Football legend!… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/piXix1Tjut

Benzema bids farewell after 14 seasons at Real Madrid. https://t.co/b0gYX16Q8T

Benzema standing ovation for his last game in Real Madrid shirt https://t.co/St0bZgSuzV

Karim Benzema leaves the pitch for the last time as Real Madrid player with a standing ovation at Bernabéu 💔
https://t.co/rYaJAyEB5N

Thanks for everything, Karim Benzema. https://t.co/0COAsnaVaI

BENZEMA GOAL ON HIS FINAL GAME FOR REAL MADRID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/97M0O6gkjK

@FabrizioRomano What a player, definetly didn't appreciate enough, until the last couple years, just how quality he really was for Real Madrid.

Karim Benzema gets a standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabéu.

Benzema's last ever touch for Real Madrid was a goal! https://t.co/2PaKtphrTa

First and last goal. 354 in total.

Thank you, @Benzema! 🤍🇫🇷 https://t.co/5fmdmkoqNP

💫 Unforgettable.
3⃣5⃣4⃣ goals in a Real Madrid shirt.
#GraciasKarim https://t.co/9m4ez3F34o

Karim Benzema tearing up after scoring his last goal for Real Madrid. https://t.co/c4eD2S2ePt

📸 - Karim Benzema walks off the Bernabéu pitch for the very last time as a Real Madrid player. https://t.co/q2UtwkzRSQ

KARIM BENZEMA SCORES IN HIS LAST GAME FOR REAL MADRID 👑🤍 https://t.co/gxe6E8NhpV

❗Ancelotti when the topic is Eden Hazard getting a moment's happiness: https://t.co/9c9Bdx8gaQ

I think tomorrow is a deciding day for the coach.

If Ancelotti stays, then definitely he will be Real Madrid coach next season. It's an easy pattern to see given how club is handling the situation. Clock ticking

Nah we gotta do everything to push Ancelotti towards the Brazil job

Real Madrid will have a new look attack next season as Karim Benzema and other stars leave

The end of the season marks the end of an era at Real Madrid. Stalwarts like Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard, and more leave the club. Hence, the club will look to bolster the team in the transfer market.

Kai Havertz and Harry Kane are Los Blancos' two primary targets to reinforce their attack. Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo are the only two attackers from the current team that will stay next season.

A deal for Havertz is expected to cost around €50 million to €60 million plus add-ons, according to Florian Plettenberg. Kane, meanwhile, is expected to cost north of €100 million.

Replacing Benzema will be the hardest part of the job. He is the club's all-time second-highest goalscorer, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo. Benzema was also the club's most important attacker in recent seasons. How Los Blancos fills his void remains to be seen.