"If it's not a banger, don't count it" — Federico Valverde, probably.
Just days after a gut-wrenching Champions League quarterfinal exit at the hands of Arsenal, Real Madrid found redemption in dramatic fashion at the Santiago Bernabéu after Federico Valverde fired home a thunderous volley in the dying minutes to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a resolute Athletic Bilbao side, reigniting hopes in the LaLiga title race.
@RealMadrid 1-0 @AthleticClub
⚽ 90'+3' @FedeeValverde
@Emirates pic.twitter.com/IwSazvMEnU— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 20, 2025
Vinicius Jr. had also appeared in the closing minutes of the match with a slick dribble and strike into the bottom post before it was disallowed for an offside position from Endrick in the build up.
Vinicius scored to give Real Madrid the lead vs. Athletic Club, but the goal was overturned after VAR ruled Endrick offside in the buildup. pic.twitter.com/xJy0btfl1W
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 20, 2025
Now, with Bilbao camped deep in a defensive low block after over 90 minutes of scoreless soccer, the Vascos were seemingly content to frustrate the hosts into a scoreless draw. A low block that only Valverde could break.
Watch: Federico Valverde insane volley against Athletic Bilbao
Brahim Díaz, introduced late in the second half, attempted to weave through a wall of red and white shirts at the edge of the area. The ball bounced off a defender, landing perfectly for Valverde.
Without hesitation, he unleashed a bullet volley from the top of the 18-yard box that rocketed into the top corner—sending the Bernabéu into a frenzy.
FEDERICO VALVERDE ARE YOU SERIOUS??!!
VALVERDE WITH A HALF VOLLEY TO SAVE MADRID! CLUTCH PLAYER! pic.twitter.com/xbKZBTg9L8— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 20, 2025
It was a moment of pure instinct and precision, a goal worthy of rescuing a match that had threatened to fall into tedium. More importantly, it was a moment that reignited belief in Carlo Ancelotti’s men following the emotional toll of their European disappointment and a three-match winless streak at the Bernabéu.
The win keeps Los Blancos within touching distance of first place, now just four points adrift of arch-rivals FC Barcelona, who pulled off a thrilling victory of their own against Celta Vigo on Saturday. With only a handful of games remaining, the title race is very much alive.
