Fede Valverde’s Last-Minute Strike Keeps Real Madrid’s Title Dreams Alive
Fede Valverde emerged as the hero for Real Madrid, delivering a dramatic 92nd-minute winner against Athletic Bilbao to keep the club’s La Liga title hopes alive. The Uruguayan midfielder’s late goal was enough to seal a 1-0 win at the Santiago Bernabéu, ensuring Los Blancos remain within touching distance of league leaders Barcelona.
This victory could not have come at a more crucial time for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Just days earlier, Real Madrid had suffered a crushing exit from the UEFA Champions League, leaving their continental ambitions in tatters. Returning to domestic competition, the pressure was firmly on to respond positively, especially with only a handful of matches left in the La Liga season. Adding to their challenges, Real Madrid were without their marquee forward Kylian Mbappé, who was serving a suspension.
The atmosphere at the Bernabéu was tense, with supporters eager to see how their team would bounce back from their midweek disappointment. For much of the match, though, Real Madrid’s performance raised more questions than answers.
Despite controlling possession in the opening 45 minutes, Real Madrid failed to translate their dominance into meaningful chances. The midfield trio of Luka Modrić, Eduardo Camavinga, and Toni Kroos passed the ball with purpose, but there was a noticeable lack of sharpness in the final third.
Athletic Bilbao, under the guidance of Ernesto Valverde, defended with structure and discipline. Their compact setup left little space for Madrid’s attackers to operate in. Vinícius Júnior, tasked with leading the line in Mbappé’s absence, showed flashes of brilliance but was often isolated against a well-organized backline.
By halftime, Real Madrid had managed only one shot on target, and it was a tame effort that Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón comfortably saved. The Bernabéu faithful grew restless as the team walked down the tunnel, goalless and seemingly short on inspirational
Ancelotti’s halftime team talk appeared to inject some urgency into his players. The second half began with Madrid pressing higher and showing more intensity in their build-up play. Vinícius Júnior continued to be the focal point of the attack, repeatedly driving at Bilbao’s defense and trying to create space for others.
Still, for all their renewed energy, Madrid struggled to find a decisive moment. The combination of poor finishing, stout defending from the visitors, and excellent goalkeeping from Unai Simón kept the scoreboard unchanged. Time and again, promising sequences broke down just outside the penalty box.
In a bid to shift the momentum, Ancelotti introduced young Brazilian star Endrick in the 58th minute. The teenager, who has been hailed as one of football’s brightest prospects, brought a burst of energy and unpredictability to Madrid’s front line. His movement created more space for Vinícius and Rodrygo, but even with the additional attacking presence, Madrid couldn’t find the net.
The crowd thought the breakthrough had arrived in the 79th minute when Vinícius Júnior tucked the ball past Simón following a slick passing move. However, the celebrations were cut short after VAR review revealed that Rodrygo was marginally offside in the buildup. The disallowed goal was a painful blow for a team already battling nerves and fatigue.
As the match entered injury time, it seemed all but certain that Madrid would drop two vital points in the title race. But then, out of nowhere, came the defining moment of the evening.
In the 92nd minute, a deflected cross landed at the edge of the box where Fede Valverde was lurking. With perfect technique, the Uruguayan midfielder connected sweetly with a volley that arrowed into the bottom corner of the net, leaving Unai Simón with no chance.
The Bernabéu erupted in jubilation as Valverde sprinted to the corner flag, mobbed by his teammates. The goal wasn’t just a dramatic winner—it was a potential season-saving strike. The victory ensured that Real Madrid maintained the pressure on Barcelona, who sit four points ahead at the top of the table.
Valverde was undoubtedly the standout performer on the night, not just for his goal but also for his relentless energy in midfield. He covered immense ground, supported the defense when needed, and timed his run perfectly for the match-winning volley. His performance once again highlighted his growing importance in Ancelotti’s system.
Vinícius Júnior also deserves credit for his persistence. Even though he did not find the net, the Brazilian was Madrid’s most dangerous player throughout, constantly taking on defenders and forcing errors. His disallowed goal was unfortunate, but it underscored his ability to change a game with a single moment.
Defensively, Real Madrid remained solid. Antonio Rüdiger and Éder Militão marshaled the backline effectively, and Dani Carvajal put in a tireless shift at right-back. Athletic Bilbao threatened on a few occasions through Iñaki Williams, but Thibaut Courtois was rarely tested, thanks to Madrid’s organization at the back.
Tactically, Ancelotti’s team showed both strengths and flaws. Their ability to dominate possession and control the tempo was evident, but their struggles in the final third remain a concern. Without Mbappé, there was a lack of cutting edge, and the reliance on individual brilliance—as seen with Valverde’s goal—highlights a need for more cohesive attacking play.
The result also brought some relief for manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has been under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks. The Italian tactician has faced criticism over Real Madrid’s inconsistent performances and their Champions League exit, with rumors swirling about his future at the club.
This win, albeit narrow, provides Ancelotti with a temporary reprieve. With just six games remaining in the league, every point is crucial, and the pressure to deliver results is immense. Madrid’s supporters still believe in a late title charge, and nights like this help to keep that dream alive.
Real Madrid’s next fixtures will be decisive in determining whether they can overtake Barcelona in the final stretch of the season. With no more European distractions, Ancelotti’s men can focus solely on La Liga, but they must find a way to consistently convert their possession into goals.
Mbappé’s return from suspension will undoubtedly provide a boost, but Madrid cannot afford to rely on one player. The entire squad will need to step up, and players like Valverde, Vinícius, and Endrick must continue delivering in big moments.
Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, can take pride in their resilient display. Despite the defeat, they pushed one of Europe’s elite teams to the brink and came within minutes of earning a valuable point on the road.
Fede Valverde’s stunning late volley against Athletic Bilbao didn’t just win a match—it reignited Real Madrid’s La Liga title hopes and eased mounting pressure on the team and their coach. With only a handful of games left, every match now becomes a final for Los Blancos. Whether this moment will be remembered as the turning point of their season remains to be seen, but for now, Madrid fans can celebrate a victory carved out of sheer determination, grit, and one moment of pure brilliant.
