Actual Madrid secured an important 1-0 win over Athletic Membership on the Santiago Bernabeu, with Federico Valverde’s spectacular stoppage-time volley the distinction within the capital.
In a match dominated by the hosts, it took till the 93rd minute for the breakthrough to reach. Brahim Díaz’s run down the suitable sparked chaos within the Bilbao field earlier than the ball broke unfastened.
It sat up completely for Valverde, who unleashed a surprising volley into the highest nook, giving Unai Simon no likelihood and igniting wild celebrations.
The Uruguayan’s sixth league purpose of the season couldn’t have come at a extra essential second, as Actual moved again inside 4 factors of leaders Barcelona.
Regardless of having fun with over 70% possession, Madrid struggled to interrupt down a well-organised Athletic defence for a lot of the match. The primary half was a cagey affair, with probabilities at a premium.
🏁 @RealMadridEn 1-0 @Athletic_en
⚽ 90′ + 3′ @FedeeValverde
👉 @Emirates pic.twitter.com/F0ocKsIltl— Actual Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 20, 2025
Vinicius Junior’s long-range effort was one in every of few moments of attacking intent in a half that ended goalless.
Athletic, in the meantime, did not register a single shot on the right track in your complete recreation.
The second half noticed Madrid considerably improve the tempo, creating a number of probabilities. Jude Bellingham noticed an effort saved at point-blank vary, whereas Simon additionally denied his header from a Vinicius trivela cross.
Endrick, on in its place, thought he’d helped help the opener when Vinicius netted within the 79th minute, just for VAR to disallow the purpose for a marginal offside.
Moments later, a possible foul on Bellingham by Nunez within the field was waved away, a lot to the frustration of the house followers.
Athletic made a number of second-half adjustments in a bid to carry out, however they supplied little menace going ahead, with Thibaut Courtois largely untested.
Actual, then again, saved probing and finally acquired their reward by way of Valverde’s second of brilliance.
