Real Madrid celebrated a crucial 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, thanks to a late goal from Federico Valverde. The victory represented a deeply needed comeback for the side, following their recent Champions League demise. It went a long way to easing their fears about the LaLiga title race, keeping their hopes of three-in-a-row very much alive. Real Madrid’s win kept them in first place with 69 points. Currently, they are in second place in La Liga, only four points behind league leaders Barcelona.
Real Madrid’s Fede Valverde snatches the game winner late in this year’s final. His 103rd minute goal provided Real Madrid with a massive moral boost ahead of next week’s much-awaited Clasico against Barca. The midfielder’s performance was praised by manager Carlo Ancelotti, who emphasized Valverde’s importance in the game.
A Turning Point in the Match
Across the first half Real Madrid dominated the play but failed to generate a single chance worth talking about. Ancelotti acknowledged this, stating, “We controlled the first half, we didn’t feel any pressure from Athletic, but we didn’t create any chances.” The dynamics turned after halftime once Valverde took the pitch.
Real Madrid upped their physicality considerably in the second period. That intensity was rewarded with Valverde putting Real Madrid ahead with a well-taken goal. Ancelotti remarked on how strategic changes made a difference: “(Bellingham as false nine) gave us a big advantage last year. We didn’t use it in the first half, but we did in the second. We attacked many times from the outside and he was there to finish it off. He deserved to score.”
Valverde’s late winner provided his side with three much needed points. It gave them an important boost in the competitive league standings. Ancelotti noted that “Valverde was the key because he scored the goal,” underscoring his impact on the match.
Keeping Title Hopes Alive
That victory against Athletic Bilbao was crucial for Real Madrid, as they’d just suffered the embarrassment of being knocked out of the European footballing scene. Valverde’s incisive strike made sure that they did not fall too far back in the title race. Ancelotti emphasized the importance of bouncing back after such setbacks: “The team did well. We were a bit slower in the first half, but in the second half we did very well in every aspect.”
As they prepare for their huge upcoming showdown with Barcelona, Valverde’s impact has lifted the mood around the club. Ancelotti highlighted Valverde’s resilience during tough times: “These haven’t been happy days for him, but I really liked his reaction. He’s going to be very important in the coming games, because of what he is on the pitch and because of his attitude.”
Momentum for Upcoming Challenges
Vinicius Junior was the other player that created the difference for Los Blancos, making incredible runs and just bringing it all over the pitch. Ancelotti praised him for his work rate: “Vinicius has a fantastic attitude and was exhausted in the second half. He was decisive, as always.” Their ability as a team to collectively decide that they needed to defend better and work on that together offensively. This partnership was key to their successful clean sheet against Athletic.
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