Valverde expressed gratitude to the Santiago Bernabéu fans for their continued support after their Champions League elimination and the motivation that led them to victory against Athletic Bilbao with his 93rd-minute goal.

The player stated in an interview with Real Madrid TV: “It was crazy, I’m very happy and proud of the whole team’s effort. I’m very grateful to the fans because despite what happened that day, they came to the stadium and supported us from the first minute to the last.

We appreciate the support you give us and the love you show, even when things don’t go our way. We knew it would be tough to move forward after that defeat, but I’m happy with this win and the goal I scored.”

Valverde spoke about the moment that led to his winning goal: “In that moment, I didn’t think too much. Sometimes I think so much that I doubt myself. This time, I didn’t think and just shot. Today was a match where I shot a lot towards the goal, most of them were good, I had a lot of confidence, and in the end, it became a goal.”

His ninth goal of the season was the result of hard work in training. Valverde thanked the goalkeepers for extra training sessions and the coaching staff led by Ancelotti: “I’m very proud of this team. This is the result of effort and hard work. Also, thanks to the goalkeepers who always stay a little longer so we can practice shooting and the coaches who insist we stay and shoot. Today everything went well.

It was a very tough match. In the first half, we struggled to create chances and build play, but in the second half, we changed our mindset and commitment, and with the help of the fans, we attacked much better. Now we’re thinking about Getafe. We’re still fighting for La Liga, hopeful and confident for the title. After that, we’ll see that big final match against Barcelona. We have to take it day by day and match by match. This helps us prepare mentally for Getafe starting tomorrow.”