Valverde's Last-Minute Goal Keeps Real Madrid in Title Hunt
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a thrilling match, Fede Valverde's 93rd-minute strike helped Real Madrid secure a crucial 1-0 win against Athletic Bilbao, maintaining their title chase in La Liga. The victory keeps them closely trailing FC Barcelona as the season progresses.
Key Takeaways
- Real Madrid continues their La Liga title pursuit with Valverde's late goal.
- Athletic Bilbao's defense put Madrid under pressure throughout the match.
- FC Barcelona achieved a stunning comeback against Celta Vigo.
- Atletico Madrid's title chances are now very slim after their loss.
- Real Sociedad and Osasuna also made strides in their respective battles.
Madrid, April 21 (NationPress) Fede Valverde netted a stunning volley in the 93rd minute, securing a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid against Athletic Bilbao and keeping their title aspirations alive.
This triumph positions Real Madrid just four points shy of FC Barcelona in the ongoing La Liga title competition, particularly significant as it seemed that Athletic's determined defense would thwart Madrid's quest for three critical points.
The visiting side made 10 alterations to their lineup after qualifying for the semifinals of the Europa League just days earlier, arriving in the capital with minimal preparation, according to reports from Xinhua.
Despite an energetic performance from Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, Madrid struggled to produce clear-cut chances until the second half, where Bellingham's shot was blocked and Vinicius had a goal disallowed for Enrick's marginal offside. Valverde ultimately clinched the victory with a precise strike that left Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon with no opportunity to react.
Meanwhile, Barcelona mounted a remarkable comeback, overturning a 3-1 deficit to triumph 4-3 against Celta Vigo at home on Saturday.
Celta striker Borja Iglesias completed a hat-trick, propelling his team to a 3-1 lead at the 62-minute mark. Nonetheless, Dani Olmo's goal reignited Barcelona's hopes, followed by Raphinha leveling the score with 22 minutes remaining.
The Brazilian maintained his composure to convert a penalty in the 98th minute after VAR confirmed that Olmo had been fouled by Celta defender Yago Lago.
Atletico Madrid's slim title chances were dashed with a 1-0 loss against Las Palmas, where Javier Munoz scored a last-minute winner for the home team, lifting them out of the relegation zone.
On Sunday, Mikel Oyarzabal scored a brace in Real Sociedad's 2-2 draw against Villarreal, aiding the visitors in their pursuit of European competition next season while complicating the home team's top-four ambitions.
Oyarzabal's first goal was from the penalty spot due to a handball, and his second came after he intercepted a clearance from Luiz Junior.
Villarreal found the net through Yeremy Pino and Ayoze Perez but were frustrated when two late goals were disallowed by referee Cuadra Fernandez—one for a close offside and another for a dubious foul.
Ante Budimir scored twice as Osasuna edged out 3-2 against bottom-placed Real Valladolid, keeping Osasuna's European dreams alive. Budimir and Ruben Garcia put Osasuna ahead 2-0 before Raul Moro narrowed the deficit for Valladolid.
A Budimir penalty extended the visitors' lead to 3-1, with Valladolid remaining in the match after Mamadou's 66th-minute penalty.
Alaves finished the week in the relegation zone despite Kike Garcia's equalizer early in the second half, which secured a 1-1 draw against Sevilla, who had initially taken the lead through Peque during Joaquin Caparros' return as coach.
Rayo Vallecano and Valencia played to a 1-1 draw, with Cesar Tarrega inadvertently scoring an own goal and Umar Sadiq equalizing with his fifth goal since joining on loan from Real Sociedad.
On Friday, Marash Kumbulla's goal in the 38th minute led Espanyol to a 1-0 victory over Getafe, who saw Christantus Uche sent off in the 69th minute.
