Valverde Screamer Saves Real Madrid in Dramatic Finish Against Athletic Club

Federico Valverde struck a sensational volley deep into stoppage time to hand Real Madrid a dramatic 1-0 win over Athletic Club on Sunday, keeping Los Blancos firmly in the LaLiga title chase.After a frustrating evening in front of goal, and with Barcelona tightening their grip on top spot following a thrilling win the day before, Madrid looked set to drop vital points. But Valverde’s late heroics sparked wild celebrations at the Bernabeu and renewed belief in Carlo Ancelotti’s camp.The first half was slow to ignite as both sides appeared drained from midweek fixtures. Vinícius Júnior was Madrid’s brightest spark early on, testing Andoni Gorosabel and narrowly missing the target with a powerful drive from distance.Los Blancos dominated possession and corners but couldn’t find a breakthrough before the break, with Valverde and Rodrygo coming close. Athletic, who have boasted LaLiga’s best defensive record this season, offered little going forward with just one half-chance from Gorka Guruzeta.Madrid came out with greater intensity in the second half. Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo forced saves from Unai Simon, who then produced a world-class stop to deny Jude Bellingham’s header from close range.Vinícius thought he had finally opened the scoring with a neat finish in the 80th minute, only for VAR to rule out the goal due to a marginal offside in the build-up.Just as frustration threatened to boil over, Valverde popped up in added time with a thumping volley that flew into the top corner, a goal worthy of winning any match.The victory keeps Real within striking distance of Barcelona and boosts morale ahead of next week’s Copa del Rey final. Athletic, despite the defeat, remain on course for a return to the Champions League next season.