Federico Valverde scored a stunning late goal in stoppage time to hand Real Madrid a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu, keeping their LaLiga title hopes alive. The win kept Madrid just four points behind Barcelona with six matches remaining in the season and helped them bounce back from the heartbreak of being eliminated from the Champions League by Arsenal.
Playing without their star forward Kylian Mbappé, who was suspended, Madrid struggled to generate attacking momentum. The first half was frustrating, with Los Blancos dominating possession but failing to seriously threaten Unai Simón’s goal. Vinícius Júnior was the only real danger, unleashing a long-range shot that went over and making several runs that troubled right-back Andoni Gorosabel. However, the half ended 0-0, with Madrid registering just one shot on target from Valverde.
Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, showed why they boast the best defensive record in LaLiga this season. Ernesto Valverde’s side was well-organized at the back, offering little in attack but successfully containing Madrid’s advances.
Following a stern halftime talk from coach Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid came out with renewed energy. Eduardo Camavinga forced a good save from Simón with a powerful shot. Minutes later, Jude Bellingham met a cross from Vinícius with a strong header, only to be denied by the Athletic goalkeeper in spectacular fashion.
Madrid thought they had finally broken through in the 79th minute when Vinícius scored from close range. However, VAR ruled the goal out due to Endrick being offside during the build-up, a decision that visibly frustrated the home side.
As the clock ticked down, it seemed Madrid would have to settle for a disappointing draw. Bellingham had another close chance but couldn’t convert. But in the 93rd minute, a scramble in the Athletic penalty area saw the ball fall unexpectedly to Valverde, who unleashed a thunderous volley into the top corner.
The goal, scored at 92:08, became the fourth-latest match-winning goal for Real Madrid at home in LaLiga in the 21st century. The Bernabéu erupted in celebration, as the goal proved vital in their chase for the league title.
Valverde’s strike saved Madrid from a morale-deflating draw and showed that the team still has the firepower to win, even without Mbappé. Before this match, Madrid had failed to win the two games Mbappé missed both ending in draws.
Though questions remain about Madrid’s attacking efficiency, especially after their Champions League exit, this result eases some pressure on Ancelotti and boosts the team’s confidence ahead of the Copa del Rey final and the remaining league fixtures.
Bilbao will be disappointed not to have taken a point from the match, but they still have a strong chance of qualifying for the Champions League. For Real Madrid, Valverde’s goal transformed a potential setback into a crucial victory that could reignite their title push.
Post a Comment