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Real Madrid keep pace with Barcelona thanks to a late Valverde winner against Athetic Club.
Real Madrid toiled tirelessly against a second-string Athletic Club side, needing a late Federico Valverde stunner to clinch a 1-0 victory.
With Barcelona having won yesterday, failing to pick up maximum points at Santiago Bernabéu today would set them behind the Blaugrana by at least six points.
Despite the heavy rotation from Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Club remained competitive and seemed set to snatch a point before the aforementioned Uruguayan midfielder took matters into his hands, beating Unai Simon from range to earn themselves maximum points.
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22:56 - 19.04.2025
Important Barcelona star in doubt for Real Madrid and Inter clashes after injury against Celta
Barcelona could miss one of their most important players for the Copa Del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid.
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23:08 - 19.04.2025
Kylian Mbappe's club suffer relegation after recent poor performances
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé sees his club fall to the lower division.
Key match details
The match got off to a sluggish start, with both teams seemingly feeling the effects of their midweek exertions: Real Madrid in the Champions League against Arsenal and Athletic Club in the Europa League.
The first half was dominated by Real Madrid, but Athletic's defense held firm despite having only 14th of thr possession. Carlo Ancelotti's halftime words seemed to spark his team into action, with Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo creating chances early in the second half.
Unai Simon made a stunning save to deny Jude Bellingham's header, but the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu erupted when Vinícius scored—only for the goal to be ruled out due to Endrick's marginal offside.
The deadlock was eventually broken in stoppage time when Valverde smashed a looping volley into the top corner, securing a vital win for Real Madrid. The victory keeps them four points behind Barcelona and is a huge morale boost after the debilitating defeat to Arsenal.
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