Federico Valverde’s stunning stoppage-time volley secured a 1-0 win for Real Madrid against a resolute Athletic Club, keeping Los Blancos in the La Liga title race. Read our in-depth match analysis!
On April 20, 2025, the Santiago Bernabéu was the stage for a gripping La Liga clash between Real Madrid and Athletic Club. With the season nearing its climax, every point is crucial, and this match was no exception. Real Madrid, trailing league leaders Barcelona by four points, needed a victory to keep their title aspirations alive. Athletic Club, fresh off reaching the Europa League semi-finals, arrived with a disciplined defensive setup, ready to frustrate the reigning champions. What unfolded was a tense, hard-fought battle that culminated in a moment of brilliance from Federico Valverde, securing a 1-0 win for Los Blancos.
A Game of Patience and Frustration
The first half saw Real Madrid struggle to break down Athletic Club’s well-organized defense. Despite dominating possession, Carlo Ancelotti’s side lacked creativity in the final third, a recurring issue in their recent performances.
The absence of Kylian Mbappé, serving a one-match ban after a red card against Alaves, was keenly felt. Without his flair, Real Madrid’s attack appeared blunt, with Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham unable to find the decisive spark. Athletic Club, meanwhile, focused on maintaining their shape, with goalkeeper Unai Simón barely tested in the opening 45 minutes.
The second half brought more urgency from Real Madrid. Around the 50-minute mark, Eduardo Camavinga nearly broke the deadlock with a shot from a fluid counter-attack, only to be denied by a sharp save from Simón.
Bellingham also came close on the hour mark, connecting with a clever trivela pass from Vinicius Jr, but Simón’s reflexes kept the score level. Athletic Club, while resolute in defense, offered little going forward, failing to create meaningful chances despite their recent attacking prowess in the Europa League.
As the clock ticked down, frustration grew among the Bernabéu faithful. Vinicius Jr thought he had won it with 10 minutes remaining, weaving through defenders for a tidy near-post finish, only for the goal to be ruled out due to an offside call on substitute Endrick in the build-up.
It seemed Real Madrid were destined to drop crucial points, a costly blow in a tightly contested title race.
Valverde’s Moment of Magic
Enter Federico Valverde. In the 93rd minute, with the game seemingly headed for a draw, the Uruguayan midfielder produced a moment of pure genius. Pouncing on a poor clearance from Athletic Club’s defense, Valverde unleashed a ferocious half-volley with the outside of his left foot, sending the ball rocketing into the top corner. The Bernabéu erupted, and Valverde’s sixth La Liga goal of the season ensured Real Madrid stayed within striking distance of Barcelona. At 92 minutes and eight seconds, it was the fourth-latest winning goal Real Madrid have scored at home in La Liga this century.
Ancelotti later hailed Valverde as “the key,” praising his ability to deliver in clutch moments. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also lauded Valverde’s unique shooting technique, noting that his training-ground strikes often defy physics. “It’s very sharp, fast, and powerful,” Courtois said, revealing that the team has been urging Valverde to shoot more often.
Tactical Takeaways
Real Madrid’s performance was far from their best, a point underscored by their midweek Champions League exit against Arsenal, where they suffered a 5-1 aggregate defeat. The lack of attacking fluidity without Mbappé exposed vulnerabilities, and Ancelotti will need to address this reliance on key individuals. However, the resilience shown in securing a late win speaks to the character of this Real Madrid side, a trait that has defined their success in recent years.
Athletic Club, despite the loss, can hold their heads high. Their defensive discipline frustrated Real Madrid for 92 minutes, and their Europa League campaign shows they are a force to be reckoned with. Álex Berenguer summed it up well: “We played well, we defended until the end, but we know what Real Madrid are like at the Bernabéu.”
Looking Ahead
This victory keeps Real Madrid four points behind Barcelona with six games remaining, ensuring the La Liga title race remains wide open. The upcoming El Clásico on May 11 could be pivotal, especially with Ancelotti’s future at the club uncertain. Speculation around Xabi Alonso as a potential successor continues to grow, but for now, Ancelotti’s focus will be on maximizing points in the final stretch.
For Athletic Club, the defeat leaves them fourth in the standings with 57 points, but their European ambitions remain strong. Their ability to compete against top sides like Real Madrid bodes well for their Europa League campaign.
Final Thoughts
Federico Valverde’s stoppage-time screamer was a reminder of why Real Madrid are never out of a game. While their performance was lackluster for large periods, their ability to conjure moments of magic keeps them in the hunt for a 37th La Liga title. For fans, it was a night of relief and celebration, with Valverde’s golazo etching itself into Bernabéu lore. As the season races toward its conclusion, expect more drama from Los Blancos.
