In a dramatic showdown at the Santiago Bernabéu, Federico Valverde’s sensational stoppage-time strike secured Real Madrid a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night.
The Uruguayan’s 93rd-minute half-volley electrified the 72,535-strong crowd and kept Los Blancos’ slim hopes of retaining their La Liga crown alive.
The match, a tale of frustration and resilience, saw the reigning champions dominate possession but fail to break Bilbao’s defensive wall for most of the game. Athletic Club’s goalkeeper, Unai Simon, was a standout performer, making crucial saves to deny Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham.
Even when Vinícius Júnior found the back of the net late in the second half, VAR intervened, ruling out the goal for a marginal offside against Endrick in the build-up.
With time ticking away, Valverde, who had come close on two previous occasions, delivered the defining moment.
His exquisite strike with the outside of his left foot left Simon rooted to the spot, sending the Bernabéu into raptures. It marked Valverde’s sixth league goal of the season, and his first since December.
The win, coming just days after Real’s exit from the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal, was a timely morale boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Still trailing leaders Barcelona by four points with six matches remaining, Real’s pursuit of the title remains an uphill battle.
Notably, Barcelona themselves pulled off a dramatic comeback on Saturday, edging Celta Vigo 4-3 with a 98th-minute penalty by Raphinha.
