Real Madrid just had a very hard-fought victory against Athletic Bilbao. When the clock struck the 90th minute, the score was still 0-0 and fans at the Bernabeu were very impatient. 24 hours before, Barcelona had a satisfying comeback against Celta Vigo and took a 7-point lead over Real Madrid. If Los Blancos cannot beat Bilbao, the La Liga championship will gradually be out of reach.
Then in the 90+3 minute, Fede Valverde's superb volley took the hooked ball straight into the top corner of the away team's goal, directly sealing a minimal victory for Los Blancos. The entire Bernabeu stands were broken because that masterpiece came at the most breathtaking moment.
In the technical area, Carlo Ancelotti and his assistants celebrated the goal with extreme excitement, as if the match against Athletic Bilbao was a final. Yes, if they lose or draw, they could face the white flag in the La Liga title race.
"I'm not surprised that fans are still so supportive. All of us and the fans believe that if we continue to try, the whole team will achieve something this season" - Carlo Ancelotti shared in the context of many rumors that the team has been turned away by fans after two full-time losses to Arsenal in the Champions League.
Except for the times of celebrating goals like this, many times since the beginning of the season, Bernabeu stands have been singing and whistling at the players when looking at their performances on the pitch. The loss to Arsenal has raised concerns for Real Madrid, they could have their own home fans turned their backs on them in the sanctuary.
All those worries were extinguished right from the moment Carlo Ancelotti and his students took the field. The spokesperson on the field read the names of the club members loudly and clearly. Each name is raised once, fans still shout, making the whole stands increase like thunder.
Before the match started, although he did not play, when Kylian Mbappe's image was shown on the big screen, there were a few whistling bells. In fact, before the players step onto the field, when everyone was warming up, they did not receive praise from the fans. Perhaps, Real Madrid fans themselves are trying their own hearts at their favorite players.
The performance against Athletic Bilbao was no different from the previous loss to Arsenal, still a total deadlock. Vinicius Jr still tried to create breakthroughs. The Brazilian striker's results are much more positive than the confrontation with Arsenal. However, the Brazilian striker alone is not enough. However, at least Vinicius has not been left behind on the pitch like in the most recent Champions League match.
Despite losing to Arsenal and facing criticism from fans, the Real Madrid players did not give up. In the end, they received the same support as many times. The Bernabeu crowd applauded Raul Asencio and Aurelien Tchouameni for their two good first-half defenses. Endrick, Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz were also applauded in the second half when they warmed up and when they came on. Dani Ceballos, Luka Modric and Rodrygo were encouraged when they left the pitch.
Real Madrid's outcome this season will also be decided by La Liga and Copa Del Rey. The victory over Bilbao, although very difficult, will give everyone more motivation not to surrender, that is the most valuable thing.
