Federico Valverde scored a last-gasp winner as Real Madrid recorded a vital 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in Sunday night’s La Liga contest at Bernabeu.
Under major pressure to bounce back from their home defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League, Real Madrid entered the match knowing that anything other than three points would have left them in an incredibly difficult position in the La Liga title race.
Athletic looked to have done enough for a share of the spoils after Vinicius Junior had an 80th-minute effort disallowed for an offside on Endrick, but that was not the end of the drama in the Spanish capital.
Indeed, the inspirational Valverde managed to find the back of the net with a wonder volley to secure a gigantic win for Los Blancos.
Second-placed Real Madrid have moved to within four points of leaders Barcelona in the La Liga table, while Athletic remain fourth, nine points ahead of sixth-placed Real Betis in the battle to secure Champions League football for next term.
SPORTS MOLE’S VERDICT
© Imago
A draw on Sunday would have left Real Madrid six points behind leaders Barcelona with only six games left, and their confidence would have been shattered after a difficult spell for the capital giants.
When Vinicius’s goal was ruled out late on, it appeared that the points would be shared, but it was not a shock that Valverde was the player who stepped forward, with the Uruguay international hitting a stunning effort into the top corner.
Real Madrid had to win, and head coach Carlo Ancelotti desperately needed a victory amid the speculation surrounding his future, and Los Blancos, if nothing else, have kept Barcelona honest heading into the next set of fixtures.
There is still a lot of work to do late in the La Liga season to finish at the summit, but Los Blancos will also have their eyes on the Copa del Rey trophy, with Barcelona their opponents next weekend in what is threatening to be a blockbuster affair.
Athletic have suffered just their fifth league defeat of the campaign, and the manner of the loss will have hurt them, but they are comfortable when it comes to the top five positions in the league, while the Lions are also looking ahead to a spectacular Europa League semi-final two-legged affair against 20-time English champions Manchester United.
REAL MADRID VS. ATHLETIC BILBAO HIGHLIGHTS
Federico Valverde goal vs. Athletic Bilbao (93rd min, Real Madrid 1-0 Athletic Bilbao)
Real Madrid take the lead in the third minute of stoppage time at the end of the 90, and it is a wonder goal from Valverde, with the midfielder volleying in to the top corner from distance.
© Imago
Tchouameni has faced criticism for his performance levels this season, but the 25-year-old demonstrated on Sunday evening that he is one of the best defensive midfielders in world football.
The Frenchman was excellent in possession, boasting a pass success rate of 91%, but it was his defensive work that impressed the most, winning six aerial duels and making five tackles, as he dominated in the middle of the park.
REAL MADRID VS. ATHLETIC BILBAO MATCH STATS
Possession: Real Madrid 74%-26% Athletic Bilbao
Shots: Real Madrid 22-3 Athletic Bilbao
Shots on target: Real Madrid 7-1 Athletic Bilbao
Corners: Real Madrid 14-1 Athletic Bilbao
Fouls: Real Madrid 7-15 Athletic Bilbao
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid will continue their La Liga campaign with a trip to Getafe on Wednesday night, before the small matter of the final of the Copa del Rey on Saturday evening against bitter rivals Barcelona.
As for Athletic, the Lions will continue their La Liga season against Las Palmas on Wednesday evening, and they will then not be back in action until May 1, when they welcome Manchester United for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.
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