Federico Valverde delivered a moment of magic in stoppage time, firing Real Madrid to a dramatic 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao with a breathtaking half-volley that sent the Bernabéu into raptures.
The Uruguayan midfielder’s thunderous strike, arrowed into the top corner in the dying moments, kept Madrid’s faint La Liga hopes alive, cutting Barcelona’s lead to four points with six games remaining.
The win came just 24 hours after Barça’s own late heroics against Celta Vigo, where they fought back from 3-1 down to snatch a 98th-minute winner—setting up a tense finale to the Spanish title race.
Yet the mood in the capital remains uneasy following Madrid’s Champions League collapse. After a humiliating 3-0 first-leg defeat to Arsenal, their attempted comeback in the return fixture fell flat, losing 2-1 at home to exit Europe in disappointing fashion.
The frustration among fans was evident as suspended star Kylian Mbappe, watching from the stands, was met with loud boos when his face flashed on the big screen. The French forward, serving a one-match ban after his red card against Alavés, appeared momentarily stunned as jeers echoed around the stadium.
Despite his 22 league goals this season, Mbappe has faced criticism for his lack of defensive contribution and underwhelming performances in key matches. Tellingly, Madrid remain unbeaten in all competitions when he hasn’t played (3 wins, 2 draws), fueling further debate over his influence.
Carlo Ancelotti, however, focused on the positives after the hard-fought win. “We controlled the first half well, handled their pressure, and stayed compact,” said the Italian. “The team showed aggression and unity. We didn’t create many chances, but the clean sheet and late winner are good signs.”
Despite the Mbappe backlash, Ancelotti praised the Bernabéu faithful: “The fans were incredible, as always. They believe in this team, and so do we. There’s still something to fight for.”
With the title race alive and tensions simmering, Madrid’s season hangs in the balance—but Valverde’s moment of brilliance has at least ensured their destiny remains in their own hands.
