Real Madrid have reduced the deficit on Barcelona at the summit of the Spanish La Liga standings to four points, after grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over visiting Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
The hosts came into this fixture after exiting the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Premier League outfit Arsenal in midweek and needed a win in order to keep the pace behind table-toppers FC Barcelona.
Madrid were also without France striker Kylian Mbappe, as he served a one-match suspension.
It was a difficult encounter for Carlo Ancelotti’s men as they were frustrated by Bilbao’s set-up and their goalkeeper Unai Simon. The Spain number one thwarted Eduardo Camavinga’s effort and a header from Jude Bellingham in the second half.
Los Blancos thought they finally had the goal they craved with eleven minutes left but Vinicius Jr’s curler was ruled out, after VAR ruled that Endrick was offside in the build-up.
However, the much-needed goal arrived three minutes into stoppage time when Fede Valverde crashed a half-volley into the top corner with the outside of his left foot to register his sixth league goal of the season and a first since December (against Sevilla).
Victory sees Real stay four points behind leaders Barcelona with six games to go.