Real Madrid secured a dramatic victory against Athletic Club in injury time with an amazing goal from Valverde. Ancelotti‘s side deserved the win, driven more by heart than football, but they gave everything in the second half to stay alive in the league. Vinicius was the player we haven’t seen all year, and the Uruguayan scored a stunning goal to keep the Whites alive.
Real Madrid show their mettle
Real Madrid ended a very tough week for a team whose sole objective is to win the Champions League, and not doing so is synonymous with disappointment and failure. But in addition, the elimination was accompanied by a very poor image of the team, the same one that has been seen throughout the year, but which becomes more evident in such important, such crucial matches. Arsenal steamrolled Real Madrid in the first leg and, in a different way, in the second leg. Not only were they unable to come back at the Bernabéu, but they also lost the match. The task at the Santiago Bernabéu was not easy. The stadium did not disappoint, as always, with a full house, and it remained to be seen what the verdict of the fans would be. The fans were tense but expectant, knowing that there would be time to judge those who needed to be judged and forgive those who needed to be forgiven. Real Madrid still has the league to play for, and the team needed to be supported.
With a different approach, returning to last season’s 4-4-2 formation, with Mbappé watching the game from the stands, Real Madrid showed the same as they did on Wednesday: a lot of heart, but little football.
Vinicius carries the team on his back
Real Madrid pressed and fought in the first half, but only Vinicius seemed particularly motivated. He tried everything, and all the danger finally came from the left wing, but Ancelotti’s team’s football depended solely on individual actions. Real Madrid dominated the ball and possession against an Athletic side that was feeling the effects of Thursday’s tough Europa League match.
Vinicius had several chances, I think the most dangerous ones, very involved, seeking forgiveness from a fanbase that has singled him out as one of those responsible. He forced several corner kicks, but there was only one shot on target, from Valverde, and it was hardly dangerous.
Real Madrid was a carbon copy of the game against Arsenal, but against an opponent that gave them more opportunities than the English side did. But even with that, the Whites failed to score in the first half, nor were they close, despite their dominance and heart. Something more is needed.
With everything to play for in LaLiga
In the second half, Real Madrid improved and stepped up in search of a victory that would allow them to continue in the fight for the league title. The introduction of Endrick gave meaning to the Whites’ play. With Athletic still sitting back, waiting for their moment, the Brazilian’s introduction meant that the defense had to keep an eye on one more man, a new player who could catch you out at any moment. That freed up Bellingham, who had more freedom of movement and had a clear shot saved by Unai Simón. Vinicius, Modric, Rodrygo, Valverde, Bellingham… all tried their luck. There were chances that Athletic managed to clear off the line. The Whites were looking for it, they deserved it, but the goal wouldn’t come. Frustration and nervousness took hold of the players and the crowd. There were 13 minutes left and the league title was slipping away.
Valverde rescues Real Madrid
The last ten minutes of the game were agonizing. Real Madrid was drowning. Vinicius kept trying, again and again. He finally found the net, but it was not a goal by three centimeters, those from Endrick’s boot that disallowed the goal, three agonizing minutes of VAR that brought back memories of just a few days ago.
But Real Madrid did not want to die, they clung to life, as they have done so many times before, and scored the goal that keeps them alive in the championship. Perhaps a goal that is worth a league title, perhaps a goal that only keeps them alive for another week. The ball was loose inside the area, on the right, almost outside it. Valverde didn’t think twice: his first touch wasn’t great, but it worked out well, the ball bounced in front of him, gained some height, and he didn’t hesitate, unleashing a trademark volley that flew in the opposite corner of Unai Simón’s goal, unstoppable. A goal worth more than three points, a goal that gives Real Madrid some breathing room.
Real Madrid get three points that could be worth their weight in gold at the end of the season. LaLiga was slipping away, but this team seems to have endless lives.