Fede Valverde delivered a moment of brilliance in the 93rd minute to secure a vital 1-0 win for Real Madrid over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, keeping the reigning champions within striking distance of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
With just seconds remaining, Valverde unleashed a stunning, swerving shot into the top corner to snatch victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. The win ensures Madrid remain four points behind Barça, who had staged a dramatic comeback against Celta Vigo the day before.
After being knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal earlier in the week, Madrid looked set for another frustrating result until the Uruguayan midfielder stepped up with a sensational winner in stoppage time.
Athletic Bilbao, coming off a Europa League semi-final berth after defeating Rangers on Thursday, rotated much of their squad but still proved stubborn opposition. Madrid struggled to break through, especially without top scorer Kylian Mbappé, who was both suspended and nursing an ankle injury.
Mbappé, who watched from the stands, was met with whistles from some fans still stung by the club’s European exit. Meanwhile, Vinícius Júnior — previously called out by coach Carlo Ancelotti for his defensive work rate — put in a tireless shift on the left, earning applause from the home crowd.
The Brazilian winger, despite his inconsistent season, was a constant threat and gave Unai Núñez a tough night. Madrid, clearly motivated to bounce back from their Champions League disappointment, pushed hard to keep their league hopes alive.
Rodrygo came close shortly after the break, and Unai Simón had to be alert to deny Eduardo Camavinga. The pressure mounted as Madrid camped in Bilbao’s half, and Vinícius nearly produced a spectacular assist with a stylish outside-of-the-boot cross that Jude Bellingham headed goalward, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Simón.
Valverde also tested the keeper with a near-post strike, and while Vinícius eventually found the back of the net, the goal was ruled out for offside against Endrick in the buildup. Bellingham had his moments too — he appealed for a penalty after a light challenge and later missed a golden chance from close range, a type of opportunity he so often converted last season during his heroic debut campaign.
But just when it seemed the match would end in frustration, Valverde stepped up with a rocket from distance, leaving Simón rooted to the spot.
The late winner not only keeps Madrid's La Liga hopes alive but also gives them a crucial morale boost ahead of next weekend’s Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Barcelona.