Real Madrid supporters could finally breathe easily towards the end of Sunday`s game against Athletic Club. Federico Valverde scored in added time, ensuring the current champions remain within striking distance of the top spot in La Liga.
The crucial goal arrived in the 93rd minute of a match where Real Madrid showed promise but weren`t always at their sharpest. In the final minutes, Real Madrid increased their pressure, desperately seeking the winning goal, which Valverde delivered spectacularly. He received the ball near the penalty area`s edge and volleyed it powerfully into the net, securing the victory for his team.
The reigning champions played without Kylian Mbappe due to suspension on Sunday, but their other key players, including Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, were in the starting lineup. However, they had a slow first half, managing only one shot on target and creating just 0.25 expected goals from a total of five shots.
After halftime, there was a noticeable increase in Real Madrid`s attacking efforts. Endrick replaced Dani Ceballos as Los Blancos pushed for a goal. They thought they had succeeded in the 80th minute when Vinicius scored from close range, but the goal was disallowed because Endrick was offside in the buildup. Later, Bellingham appealed for a penalty, and although the referee considered it, he ultimately decided against awarding a spot-kick.
Valverde`s goal ultimately meant Real Madrid ended the week positively, especially after a disappointing previous week. Their heavy loss to Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League reduced their potential trophies this season from three to two and highlighted squad weaknesses that were still evident on Sunday. These imperfections were also present during their double-winning season last year. Their knack for winning even when not playing perfectly seemed to have faded at times this season, but it reappeared on Sunday. This victory could be vital for Real Madrid in the season`s final weeks, but they need to maintain this momentum to stay competitive in the title race.
Real Madrid faces a strong challenge from Barcelona, who have only lost once in 2025 and are in a period of playing nine games in 29 days. Despite a congested schedule for Hansi Flick`s team, they still managed a remarkable comeback and an important 4-3 victory against Celta Vigo on Saturday. This win keeps them at the top of La Liga and keeps their hopes for a treble alive. They conclude the weekend with a four-point lead over Real Madrid with six league games remaining.
What`s Next
The La Liga schedule includes important midweek matches where both Real Madrid and Barcelona will aim to strengthen their title bids. Barcelona will play against seventh-placed Mallorca on Tuesday, while Real Madrid will play against 12th-placed Getafe the following day. Afterwards, the two rivals will meet in El Clasico in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday, which is the first opportunity for both teams to win major silverware this season.
Dominic Ashworth