Real Madrid fans could finally breathe easy as Federico Valverde scored a crucial goal in added time against Athletic Club on Sunday. This victory ensures the current champions remain close behind the league leaders, Barcelona, in the La Liga title chase.
The winning moment arrived in the 93rd minute of the match. Real Madrid had been the dominant team throughout the game but struggled to find their best form. As the clock ticked down, their urgency increased, culminating in Valverde`s spectacular strike. He received the ball near the penalty area corner and unleashed a powerful volley that found the back of the net, securing a vital win for his team.
Despite fielding a strong lineup, including Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid had a lackluster first half, managing only one shot on target and creating minimal scoring opportunities.
After halftime, the team showed more attacking intent. Endrick replaced Dani Ceballos as Real Madrid searched for a breakthrough. They thought they had found it when Vinicius scored from close range in the 80th minute, but the goal was disallowed due to Endrick being offside in the build-up. Shortly after, Bellingham appealed for a penalty, but after review, the referee decided against awarding it.
Valverde`s late goal was particularly important for Real Madrid after a disappointing week. Their significant loss to Arsenal in the Champions League narrowed their trophy ambitions for the season. While imperfections have been present throughout their season, reminiscent of their double-winning season last year, their usual ability to win even when not playing perfectly had been less consistent recently. This late victory against Athletic Club could be a crucial morale boost for Real Madrid as they enter the final weeks of the season, helping them to maintain pressure in the title race.
Real Madrid faces a tough challenge from Barcelona, who have only lost once in 2025 and are navigating a packed schedule. Despite fixture congestion, Barcelona managed a thrilling 4-3 comeback win against Celta Vigo on Saturday, maintaining their lead in La Liga and keeping their hopes for a treble alive. They currently hold a four-point lead over Real Madrid with six league games remaining.
What`s Next
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have important midweek La Liga fixtures that could influence the title race. Barcelona will play against Mallorca, while Real Madrid will face Getafe. Following these matches, the two giants will meet in El Clasico for the Copa del Rey final, offering both teams their first chance to win major silverware this season.
