Real Madrid kept their title hopes alive with a dramatic last-minute victory over Athletic Bilbao, sealing a 1-0 win thanks to a stunning goal from Federico Valverde in the 93rd minute. The match, held at the Santiago Bernabéu on April 20, 2025, was a crucial encounter in the La Liga title race, especially following Madrid's recent exit from the UEFA Champions League.
Just four days after their disappointing Champions League elimination, the Galácticos were eager to bounce back and maintain pressure on league leaders Barcelona. The Catalan giants had narrowly escaped a loss against Celta Vigo just a day earlier, coming from behind to win 4-3 with a last-minute penalty from Raphinha.
Real Madrid started the match without star forward Kylian Mbappé, who was suspended, and initially struggled to find their rhythm. The first half ended goalless, with the home side dominating possession but failing to convert their chances into goals. Despite having around 80 percent of the ball early on, Madrid only managed a single shot on target in the first 45 minutes.
In contrast, Athletic Bilbao, fresh off their Europa League semifinal qualification, showcased a compact defensive display, frustrating the Madrid attackers. The visitors rarely threatened, managing just three shots throughout the match.
However, the second half saw a shift in momentum. Real Madrid ramped up their attacking efforts, with Jude Bellingham coming close to scoring twice within two minutes, only to be denied by the narrowest of margins. The pressure mounted as the match progressed, and the Bernabéu crowd grew restless, sensing that a breakthrough was imminent.
In a pivotal moment in the 78th minute, Vinicius Junior thought he had put Madrid ahead with a well-placed shot, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review revealed that Endrick had been offside in the buildup. This setback only fueled Madrid's determination, as they continued to push for the elusive goal.
As the match entered stoppage time, it seemed that the teams were headed for a frustrating draw. However, Federico Valverde had other ideas. In the dying moments of the game, he received the ball in a dangerous position and unleashed a powerful shot from a tight angle. The ball soared into the top corner, leaving Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón with no chance. The stadium erupted as Valverde's goal secured a much-needed victory for the home team.
The win keeps Real Madrid firmly in the title race, maintaining their four-point deficit behind Barcelona, who now sit at 73 points. With six matchdays remaining in the league, the pressure is on for both teams as Madrid prepares to face Getafe on April 23 and then Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on April 26.
Despite the triumph, questions linger about the future of Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose contract runs until June 2026. Speculation about potential successors, including Xabi Alonso, has intensified following the team's recent struggles.
As the La Liga season approaches its climax, the excitement is palpable. Real Madrid's victory over Athletic Bilbao has reignited their hopes of catching Barcelona, setting the stage for a thrilling finish to the season.
