The fight for the LaLiga title is still on for Real Madrid thanks to a Fede Valverde goal in the final minute of the match against Athletic Club. On a night that seemed destined for a goalless draw, Carlo Ancelotti's side found relief late on with a move that sparked euphoria at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 1-0 win not only kept Los Blancos close to the lead, but also cut short a winless run at home, offering some respite after the heavy blow suffered in the Champions League.
A Sparkless First Half
The start of the match was far from what Madrid fans expected. The pace was low, with few dangerous actions and Real Madrid, although they had more of the ball, failed to generate real damage in the opponent's half. Athletic Club, on the other hand, was orderly, very focused on defending and with little intention to attack, something that made the defensive work easier for the locals.
Vinícius Jr. was the only one who tried to change the script with his runs down the left flank, seeking to generate unbalance against an opponent who closed the spaces well. The Brazilian came close to scoring with a long-range shot, but it was one of the few notable chances of the first 45 minutes.
The feeling was of a stagnant game, more typical of a preseason than a key league match. Just one shot on target reflected how little happened offensively. The Whites' supporters were hoping for a reaction after the break and, fortunately for them, it didn't take long to arrive.
More Intent, Same Problem
The second half showed a different side to Real Madrid. From the first minute, the team came out determined to break the tie, with more energy and better ball circulation. Rodrygo had a great chance right at the start of the second half, but his shot went just wide of the post. Then it was Camavinga who created danger, after a run from his own half, although his attempt was also thwarted by Unai Simón.
Ancelotti's changes began to move the pieces. The introduction of Endrick generated excitement and almost paid off immediately, but the young Brazilian failed to control a precise pass from Luka Modric. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham added to the attacking siege with two headers, one brilliantly saved by Simon and the other that skimmed the post.
Although Madrid dominated completely, the lack of accuracy in the final meters kept the tension in the stadium. Crosses into the box were frequent, but Athletic's defense stood firm. The clock was ticking and the goal was not coming, which increased the anxiety among the players and the fans.
Valverde, The Unexpected Hero
Everything changed in stoppage time. When the tie seemed inevitable, Fede Valverde appeared with a dry and precise shot from outside the area that slipped into the top corner, leaving Unai Simón with no options. The Uruguayan, who had not had much offensive participation in the match, found the right moment to make the difference and give his team three vital points.
The goal was an explosion of joy at the Bernabéu, a relief after a hard-fought match. The goal not only meant victory, but also the possibility of continuing to dream of winning the championship, staying four points behind the leaders with several games to go.
Athletic, for their part, left the Bernabéu with another defeat, extending a negative streak that now totals 20 years without a win in that stadium. Although they arrived motivated after advancing in Europe, their approach was too conservative and they ended up conceding to an opponent that insisted until the end.
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One More Step in the Fight for LaLiga
With this victory, Real Madrid shows that it is willing to fight for the title until the end. Despite the doubts in the game, the team knew how to keep calm and did not give up, finding reward in one of the last actions of the game. The victory is important not only for the points, but also for what it means for the team's morale after the European blow.
The white team continues to depend on itself to fight for the top, but knows it cannot afford any more slip-ups. The next matchday will be crucial again, with the pressure to keep winning and hoping for a slip from the leader.
The final stretch of LaLiga is wide open, and with players like Valverde inspired at key moments, Madrid are keeping the illusion alive.
