Real Madrid - Athletic Club: Match Summary of LaLiga

A Much-Needed Victory for Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabéu against Athletic Club (1-0) in the match corresponding to matchday 32 of LaLiga. This way, Carlo Ancelotti's pupils, thanks to Fede Valverde's thunderous shot, continue to push their options in the championship.

After the elimination in the Champions and after the three points obtained by Barça against Celta, winning had to be an indispensable task. Carlo Ancelotti, in an eleven without Kylian Mbappé, opted to return to the diamond with Vinícius and Rodrygo up front. The Italian also chose Camavinga and Valverde on the flanks ahead of Fran García and Lucas Vázquez.

Vinícius's Persistence and Slight Boos for Mbappé

Real Madrid started dominantly on the field of Santiago Bernabéu against an Athletic with many rotations in their eleven. The players received the support of their fans on a day when the team had to win to keep up with Barça. Meanwhile, the Basque team couldn't hold the ball in the first minutes, so they couldn't create great opportunities.

With ball control but not much presence in the area. The most active footballer of Real Madrid in the initial stages was a Vinícius who was seeking redemption. The Brazilian was very persistent with his constant dribbles and runs, driving Gorosabel crazy.

In the absence of goals, one of the most notable news was the appearance of Mbappé on the Bernabéu's video scoreboards. The Frenchman, criticized after his performance against Arsenal, couldn't be on the field due to his red card against Alavés. The reaction of the Madrid fans was to slightly boo the striker, although applause followed in response.

Meanwhile, Vinícius continued with the goal of breaking the deadlock. The Real Madrid striker, today partnering with Rodrygo in attack, could have scored a great long-range shot. However, the ball ended up slightly off Unai Simón's goal.

No Goals at Halftime

Real Madrid monopolized almost all their attacks on the left wing—over 50%—which led to increased vigilance from Athletic. The white team also sought to do damage from corner kicks, but they didn't find answers either. Vinícius ended the first half as the most outstanding player for the Madridists, who couldn't take the lead before the break.

Fede Valverde was also very active from the right flank. The Uruguayan, always generous in effort, returned to the wing ahead of Lucas Vázquez. Another of the most in-tune players was Tchouaméni, who gave a little scare in the final moments.

Real Madrid wasn't sharp in front of goal, but they did manage to notably defend the few attacks from Athletic Club. However, Carlo Ancelotti's pupils were still obliged to win to have hopes in the league championship.

A Completely Different Real Madrid

The clearest chance of the match was at Rodrygo's feet just as the second half began. The Brazilian winger, with a great feint beforehand, aimed for the far post to put the white team ahead. The ball went slightly wide in what could have been a great goal from the Carioca.

Real Madrid, with Modric and Ceballos increasingly active, began to move the ball much faster. Athletic Club went from being comfortable on the field to sweating bullets to maintain the goalless draw.Ernesto Valverde's pupils were clearing the ball any way they could, never having ease in building play.

Carlo Ancelotti began to move his pieces to seek the winning goal. Endrick, who didn't start as a starter, entered the field for Dani Ceballos with more than half an hour to go. The Brazilian was close to having a one-on-one after a brilliant action by Luka Modric.

Clear goal chances were raining down at Santiago Bernabéu for a Real Madrid that began to deserve the goal. Jude Bellingham had a very clear chance with a great header that Unai Simón saved outstandingly. The Englishman's header came after a sensational pass from Vinícius with the outside of his boot.

What Did You Do, Fede?

As the minutes passed, Real Madrid continued to press Unai Simón's goal. Carlo Ancelotti also put Güler and Brahim on the field to try to topple Athletic Club. Meanwhile, the Basque team continued saving very clear chances thanks to the great work of a colossal Aitor Paredes.

Vinícius reappeared, not ceasing to face his marker to make a difference. The Brazilian, with a great low shot to Unai Simón's near post, managed to score the first goal in the 80th minute. Despite everything, the goal was annulled due to a previous offside by Endrick, in which the referee understood he was involved.

However, it seemed that the best was saved for last. In an attacking play by the Madrid team, Fede Valverde struck the ball to finally place it in the top corner. A wonder 'made in' Fede that serves to have hopes in LaLiga.

Finally, Real Madrid managed to break through Athletic Club's goal, which couldn't survive the white siege at Bernabéu. The Madrid team didn't stop trying in a great second half and was rewarded with a stratospheric missile.

Carlo Ancelotti's pupils will have the next test against Getafe CF next Wednesday. Then comes the Copa del Rey final against Barça in what could be the conquest of another title this season.