Real Madrid fans could finally breathe easy as Federico Valverde scored a crucial goal in added time during Sunday`s game against Athletic Club. This victory ensures the current champions remain close behind the league leaders, Barcelona, in the La Liga competition.
The decisive moment arrived in the 93rd minute. Throughout the match, Real Madrid had shown dominance but hadn`t been at their absolute best. In the final minutes, their push intensified as they desperately sought the winning goal. Valverde delivered spectacularly, meeting the ball at the edge of the box and unleashing a powerful volley into the net to secure the win.
While Real Madrid played without Kylian Mbappe due to suspension, other key players like Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham were in the starting lineup. However, the first half saw a subdued performance with only one shot on target and limited attacking threat.
After halftime, the team showed more urgency in attack. 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 for an offside earlier in the play. Shortly after, Bellingham appealed for a penalty, but despite consideration, the referee denied the claim.
Ultimately, Valverde`s late goal turned a potentially disappointing week into a positive one for Real Madrid. Coming off a significant loss to Arsenal in the Champions League, their hopes for three trophies this season had been reduced to two. The game against Athletic Club highlighted some existing weaknesses in the team, similar to those seen during their successful double-trophy season last year. Their characteristic ability to win even when not playing perfectly had sometimes been absent this season, but it reappeared on Sunday. This win could be a vital boost for Real Madrid as they enter the final weeks of the season, and they must maintain this momentum to stay competitive in the title race.
Barcelona remains a strong rival, having lost only once in 2025 and navigating a busy schedule of nine games in 29 days. Despite this pressure, they managed a thrilling 4-3 victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday, maintaining their lead in La Liga and keeping their treble ambitions alive. They currently hold a four-point lead over Real Madrid with six league games remaining.
What`s Next?
The La Liga season continues with important midweek games where both Real Madrid and Barcelona will aim to strengthen their title bids. Barcelona will face Mallorca on Tuesday, while Real Madrid will play Getafe the following day. The two giants will then clash in El Clasico on Saturday in the Copa del Rey final, a significant opportunity for both teams to win major silverware this season.