Fede Valverde’s beautiful 93rd-minute strike saved Real Madrid scorching on Barcelona’s heels within the Spanish title race, securing a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
The champions stay 4 factors behind Barca after Valverde’s brilliantly struck, swerving shot discovered the highest nook in stoppage time.
Following their Champions League elimination by Arsenal, it appeared Madrid was headed for an additional crushing setback – till the Uruguay worldwide’s dramatic late intervention.
Athletic Bilbao, recent off qualifying for the Europa League semifinals by defeating Rangers, fielded a closely rotated facet.
Yet, regardless of the modifications, the Basques proved a troublesome problem for Madrid, particularly with prime scorer Kylian Mbappe suspended and nursing an ankle difficulty.
The ahead confronted boos from some followers after his perceived lack of involvement in Madrid’s Champions League quarterfinal defeat to Arsenal, the place he was seen watching the sport on the stadium screens as an alternative of taking part in.
Vinicius, who was beforehand criticized by coach Carlo Ancelotti for his lack of defensive work ethic, was working exhausting on the left, which followers on the Santiago Bernabeu appreciated.
The Brazilian has struggled for type at instances this season however was Madrid’s brightest participant in opposition to Athletic, giving Unai Nunez a troublesome evening.
Madrid performed with depth after their European elimination, attempting to maintain La Liga of their sights after Barcelona made a late comeback to beat Celta Vigo on Saturday.
Rodrygo Goes got here shut early within the second half earlier than Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon saved from Eduardo Camavinga.
The hosts started to push Athletic deeper and began to create higher possibilities.
Vinicius bent a scrumptious cross with the surface of his boot into the six-yard field for Jude Bellingham to satisfy, however Simon made a wonderful save to tip over his header.
Fede Valverde fired narrowly extensive of the close to submit, and Vinicius did discover the online, however Endrick was offside within the build-up.
Bellingham appealed for a penalty after taking place softly within the space after which fired over from shut vary within the closing phases.
It was the form of likelihood the England worldwide managed to show into late match-winning targets final season as he impressed Madrid to La Liga and Champions League glory.
Instead, it was Valverde who took up that function together with his elegant blast, which left Simon with no likelihood.
The victory presents Madrid hope of salvaging their season and a morale enhance forward of subsequent weekend’s Copa del Rey closing in opposition to Barcelona.
Source: www.dailysabah.com