Federico Valverde’s stunning strike in the 93rd minute—a sacred moment for Real Madrid—allowed the Santiago Bernabéu to breathe a sigh of relief. After their Champions League exit on Wednesday, they were on the verge of saying goodbye to La Liga just three days later.

Real Madrid did not deserve to bid farewell to the title race against Athletic Bilbao, but Unai Simón saved every shot, and refereeing decisions—including a disallowed goal and an unpenalized foul on Jude Bellingham—made their continued presence in the La Liga title race nearly impossible.

But Valverde appeared and scored one of those impossible goals that rarely find the top corner, restoring the fighting spirit that was sorely lacking on Wednesday. The Uruguayan’s goal, celebrated with immense passion, brought a sense of revival to the team, which desperately needed such a moment after their match against Arsenal.

La Liga remains what it was for Real Madrid—one win until El Clásico and one more slip-up in the remaining six matches. But after that spectacular goal in the 93rd minute, everything feels different. Ancelotti said after the match: “The Bernabéu was extraordinary because they think like us—that we can win a trophy from now until the end of the season.” He expressed happiness that his team raised their level after the 45th minute.

There was a sense of revenge after their Champions League elimination. Ancelotti admitted that the days leading up to the match against Athletic were tough, evident from the fact that not a single player spoke to the media after the game—a silence accompanied by the spirit brought by this 93rd-minute victory.

Real Madrid’s joy was visible in the goal celebrations and the post-match festivities, where players like Rüdiger and Bellingham gave their jerseys to the fans. Only Vinícius Jr. refused to join the victory celebrations due to protest whistles, though he fought until the last minute to secure the three points.

Vinicius had a brilliant performance, improving compared to his recent matches. He never stopped trying and even scored a goal that could have decided the match, but it was disallowed by VAR.

The Brazilian star didn’t celebrate that goal either, angry at what he perceived as unfair treatment from the Bernabéu. However, Ancelotti didn’t hold onto any anger, instead taking encouragement from Vinicius’ fighting spirit and leadership—crucial as the season reaches its climax.