At the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday night, Real Madrid clung to their La Liga title hopes by the thinnest of threads, thanks to a jaw-dropping 93rd-minute winner from Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan midfielder silenced a defiant Athletic Bilbao side with a sublime half-volley, fired with the outside of his left boot into the top corner—securing a 1-0 victory in a tense and dramatic affair.
It was Valverde’s sixth league goal of the season, and perhaps the most crucial, as Los Blancos stayed four points behind league leaders Barcelona with just six matches left to play.
Madrid entered the game under pressure, both on and off the pitch. Fresh from a humiliating Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal and without star forward Kylian Mbappé—suspended after a red card at Alaves—the home side knew they couldn’t afford a slip-up.
Yet, for 90 minutes, it looked as though frustration would once again be the story of their season.
Despite dominating possession and chances in the second half, Madrid were repeatedly denied by Athletic Club’s resolute defense and the brilliant goalkeeping of Unai Simon. The Spain international thwarted efforts from Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham, and VAR heartbreak followed as Vinicius Jr.’s strike was chalked off for a narrow offside by Endrick in the buildup.
A penalty shout for Bellingham was waved away without a VAR review, much to the ire of the home crowd. But just when it seemed like Carlo Ancelotti’s men would be left ruing their missed chances, Valverde rose to the occasion.
Lurking on the edge of the box, the 26-year-old pounced on a loose ball and produced a moment of magic to send the Bernabéu into raptures.
The win couldn’t have come at a better time for Ancelotti, who faces increasing scrutiny following Madrid’s European exit. With speculation growing over a potential summer switch to Xabi Alonso, the Italian tactician remains focused—for now—on closing the gap in La Liga and claiming silverware in the upcoming Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
As for Valverde, his wonder strike didn’t just win three points—it reignited belief in a Madrid squad fighting to salvage their season.
Final Score: Real Madrid 1-0 Athletic Club
Goal: Federico Valverde (90+3′)
Attendance: 72,535
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
