Valverde’s Last-Gasp Screamer Keeps Real Madrid’s La Liga Dreams Alive Fede Valverde delivered a stunning 93rd-minute winner to keep Real Madrid's La Liga title hopes alive, securing a dramatic 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday. The Uruguayan midfielder unleashed a swerving rocket into the top corner during stoppage time, just when it seemed Madrid would be left reeling from another blow following their Champions League exit to Arsenal. The goal ensures Madrid stay within four points of leaders Barcelona, who had mounted their own comeback win against Celta Vigo a day earlier. For most of the night, Madrid struggled to break down a disciplined Athletic side that had heavily rotated after reaching the Europa League semi-finals midweek. Despite missing suspended star Kylian Mbappé—who was also recovering from an ankle issue—Los Blancos pushed relentlessly, especially in the second half. Thibaut Courtois lauded Valverde’s match-winning strike: “Fede has such a powerful shot. Just yesterday in training he hit one that looked like it was flying wide, then curled in at the last second—you ask yourself, how does he do that?” Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti echoed the sentiment, calling Valverde the difference-maker: “The first half was a bit slow, but the team reacted well after the Arsenal defeat. Fede was key—his goal gave us the win and the lift we needed.” The Bernabéu crowd roared in appreciation for Vinicius Jr., who turned in a tireless performance on the left flank, tormenting defender Unai Núñez all night. Despite his recent inconsistency, Vinicius was Madrid’s brightest spark and nearly provided assists for both Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham. Bellingham himself was denied a goal by a superb save from Unai Simón, and also fired over from close range late on. His penalty appeals were waved away, while Endrick’s assist for a Vinicius goal was ruled out for offside. But just as frustration threatened to spill into despair, Valverde stepped up in sensational fashion. With time nearly expired, he struck a sliced, swerving shot from distance that left Simón helpless and the Bernabéu erupting in celebration. Even Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde tipped his hat to the brilliance of his namesake: “We played a great game, but they have world-class players—Vinicius was excellent and Fede’s strike was simply unstoppable.” The dramatic win revives Madrid’s fading title push and injects vital momentum ahead of their Copa del Rey final showdown with Barcelona next weekend. After the heartbreak in Europe, Valverde’s thunderbolt could be the spark that reignites their season.