A stunning goal from Valverde keeps Real Madrid alive in the La Liga title race.
Real Madrid defeated Athletic Club 1-0 at the Bernabéu thanks to a stunning last-minute goal by Valverde.
Following the painful Champions League exit to Arsenal, Carlo Ancelotti made several significant changes to Real Madrid’s lineup. First, he switched the formation: only two forwards, Vinicius and Rodrygo, with Bellingham playing just behind them. Ceballos and Modric anchored the midfield, and Valverde and Camavinga played as full-backs.
Vinicius came out firing
Madrid came onto the pitch clearly looking to dominate possession and control the match. Vinicius was especially lively, consistently beating Gorosabel down the left wing with ease. Athletic manager Ernesto Valverde quickly ordered constant support for his full-back, knowing that side could be decisive.
Despite their dominance, Real Madrid struggled to test Unai Simón. Their new setup brought better balance and control but lacked attacking punch. Often when Vinicius beat his man and looked up to cross, there were no teammates in position. The 0-0 at halftime felt like a poor return for Madrid’s dominance.
Rodrygo nearly opened the scoring
If Madrid didn’t pose much threat in the first half, they only needed two minutes in the second to almost score. A good combination between Camavinga and Vinicius resulted in a loose ball that fell to Rodrygo, who curled a shot just wide.
Madrid’s start after the break had everything: control, intensity, and danger. Camavinga and Vinicius again sparked promising attacks, forcing two solid saves from Unai Simón.
Endrick enters the pitch
Ancelotti planned to sub Ceballos for Endrick around the 60th minute—and he did. This change shifted Madrid to a more attacking system, with more bodies in the final third, but slightly less defensive control.
Madrid looked like the deserved winners, and now Bellingham took over the creative role. He threatened with headers, left-footed, and right-footed shots—but the goal still wouldn’t come.
Real Madrid’s manager pushed further, bringing on Arda Güler and Brahim Díaz in search of the winning goal.
Controversy and frustration
The final minutes were tense. The referee disallowed a Vinicius goal and failed to award a clear penalty on Bellingham, sparking outrage from the Bernabéu crowd, the players, and even Ancelotti, who was visibly furious.
Valverde’s wonder goal
Fortunately for Madrid, Valverde had one last trick up his sleeve. In stoppage time, the Uruguayan fired a sensational strike from a wide angle, hitting it first-time and sending it into the top corner past Unai Simón. It was not only a brilliant goal but a crucial one—keeping Madrid in the La Liga title race after their Champions League heartbreak.
Madrid was the better team throughout, especially in the second half, and Valverde’s rocket was the reward they fought for, a goal worth more than just three points.
Match Summary
Real Madrid 1: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio (Lucas 82’), Rüdiger, Camavinga; Tchouaméni, Ceballos (Endrick 57’), Modric (Arda Güler 77’), Bellingham; Vinicius, Rodrygo (Brahim 77’)
Athletic Club 0: Unai Simón; Gorosabel, Paredes, Núñez, Adama; Prados, Vesga; Djaló (Iñaki Williams 62’), Unai Gómez (Lekue 71’), Berenguer (Sancet 62’); Guruzeta (Maroan 63’)
Goal: 1-0 Valverde (92’)
Referee: Martínez Munuera. Booked: Unai Núñez, Asencio, Prados
Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu
