Real Madrid 1 – Athletic Club 0, goal by Fede Valverde in the 93rd minute.
Real Madrid won a very tough match. After the loss to Arsenal and without Mbappé, who is injured, Ancelotti started Ceballos alongside Modric and placed Bellingham in a sort of false 9 role.
Rodrygo and Vinicius played on the wings. Valverde and Camavinga, two midfielders, were used as full-backs. Real Madrid didn’t play a great match, but they showed good attitude—something the Bernabéu appreciated. Unlike in previous years after eliminations, the fans weren’t harsh and “forgave” the team. That helped, because if the crowd had turned on the players in the final minutes, we probably wouldn’t have won.
The first half was dull, with few chances for either team and a very even pace. Vinicius was Real Madrid’s best player today—he was energized from the start, full of intent, and trying constantly. On the other hand, Rodrygo remains missing; his level has dropped too much, and Real Madrid can’t afford that. But the issue is, when Brahim or Endrick play, they don’t seem ready to be starters either…
In the second half, Madrid improved a bit and started creating more chances. In the 60th minute, Endrick came on, allowing Bellingham to return to his usual position (yet another failed Ancelotti experiment playing Jude as a 9…), and from that point, he started creating much more danger, with two very clear chances and a couple more worth noting.
Vinicius scored a good goal that was disallowed for an offside by Endrick, and when the match looked headed for a 0-0 draw—effectively ending the title race—Valverde appeared in the 93rd minute (shades of Sergio Ramos) and smashed one into the top corner, securing 3 points that save Madrid, give the fans a bit of joy, and provide a major motivational boost ahead of the Copa del Rey final.
But first, they’ll have to face Getafe on Wednesday. Winning that match is important to go into Saturday’s cup final with full momentum.