Real Madrid Edge Athletic Club with Valverde's Last-Gasp Goal, Closing In on Barcelona in Tight LaLiga Race
In Sports
Valverde's Last-Minute Stunner Lifts Real Madrid Past Athletic Club
You could feel the tension pulsing through the Santiago Bernabéu on April 20, 2025. Fans braced for disappointment as the minutes ticked away in a deadlocked LaLiga clash between Real Madrid and Athletic Club. But, just as the match looked destined for a draw, Federico Valverde unleashed a thunderous 90th-minute volley straight into the net, sending the stadium into a frenzy and keeping Madrid’s title dreams very much alive.
The match wasn’t short on drama or frustration. Real Madrid, still trailing Barcelona by four points in the standings, knew only a win would do. The home team’s mix of seasoned stars and hungry young players tried everything to break through Athletic’s stubborn defense. Jude Bellingham, always in the thick of the action, came heartbreakingly close several times, especially with a close-range header in the first half that whistled just past the post. Veteran Luka Modrić almost worked his magic after halftime, but he too was denied at the last second.
One name stood between Madrid and a comfortable lead—Unai Simón. The Athletic Club goalkeeper pulled out some spectacular stops, especially against Vinícius Júnior and Bellingham. His reflexes frustrated the Bernabéu crowd again and again, keeping his team in the hunt for a valuable away point right until the closing minutes.
For their part, Athletic Club didn’t simply park the bus. They created a few moments of danger on the counter, forcing Thibaut Courtois into action to maintain yet another clean sheet for the hosts. But Madrid’s experienced backline, with Antonio Rüdiger marshaling the defense and Courtois showing his usual composure, made sure that none of the visitors’ efforts turned into goals. Athletic’s best chance fizzled out as they couldn’t quite find the finishing touch to match their intent.
Madrid’s Title Hopes Stay Alive with a Crucial Win
By the second half, Madrid turned up the pressure, with coach Carlo Ancelotti throwing young guns Arda Güler and Brahim Díaz into the mix. These fresh legs injected much-needed pace and energy, forcing Athletic deeper into their own half. Every failed attempt seemed to add more anxiety to the home support, who watched as Simón kept pulling off saves.
It all came down to minutes deep in added time. A loose ball found its way to Valverde at the edge of the area, and he made no mistake, smashing it into the net. The eruption of noise from the stands said it all—Madrid weren’t just celebrating three points, but also the lifeline Valverde had given their LaLiga ambition.
This was Madrid’s 21st win of the season and proof of their refusal to back down. Valverde’s late show, coming after so much persistence and so many near misses, underlined how much he’s become a leader for Los Blancos. Courtois’ calm between the posts kept them safe all night, further building the team’s confidence heading into the home stretch.
For Athletic Club, there’s frustration in coming up short after such a resolute display. They remain fifth, sitting on 57 points—still in the thick of the European qualification battle, but missing a golden chance to close the gap on the top four. Their discipline and Simón’s brilliance might not have translated to points this time, but no one could question their fight.
Meanwhile, Madrid’s narrow victory cranks up the pressure on Barcelona, injecting fresh intrigue into a tight title race that looks set to go down to the wire. With Valverde stepping up at just the right moment, the message couldn’t be clearer: Real Madrid aren’t giving up the chase.
Write a comment