Valverde’s Late Thunderbolt Keeps Real Madrid’s Title Dreams Aliv

Just when it looked like Real Madrid’s LaLiga title chase was about to stall again, Federico Valverde came to the rescue with a 93rd-minute rocket that secured a gritty 1-0 victory over Athletic Club on Sunday night.

Madrid fans held their breath for most of the evening as Los Blancos struggled to break down a rotated but resolute Athletic side, still glowing from their Europa League triumph over Rangers.

🚫 Disappointments Almost Piled Up

Having been knocked out of the Champions League midweek by Arsenal, a goalless draw at the Bernabéu would have felt like another gut-punch.

Vinicius Junior had a goal ruled out — Endrick was adjudged offside in the build-up — while Jude Bellingham saw his penalty appeal waved off and missed a golden chance late on.

It felt like another classic case of Madrid domination without end product. Until…

💥 Valverde Writes His Own Script

With seconds left on the clock, the Uruguayan midfielder produced a moment of pure class, slicing through a sea of defenders with a swerving top-corner strike that sent the stadium into frenzy.

🗣️ “That’s what Madrid do — we fight till the last second,” a fan said on X.

📊 What It Means

The win keeps Carlo Ancelotti’s men just four points behind leaders Barcelona, and the title race is very much alive.

💭 OPINION: Madrid Might Be Wounded, But Never Count Them Out

Real Madrid are like that lion you think is asleep — until it strikes. Despite recent disappointments, this team knows how to win ugly, and Valverde’s clutch goal is another chapter in their storied history of late drama and resilience.

Sure, Barcelona are ahead, but with Madrid’s fighting spirit, anything can still happen.

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