In a thrilling finish, Real Madrid secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao thanks to a stunning late volley from Federico Valverde. This crucial win, achieved on Sunday at the Bernabéu, keeps Madrid just four points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona.

Despite a heavily rotated lineup, Athletic Bilbao put up a strong fight, frustrating the home side until the dying moments of the match. Valverde's game-winning goal came a mere three minutes into stoppage time when he seized on a defensive mishap, launching a powerful volley that found the far top corner.

Earlier, Vinicius Junior believed he had given Real Madrid the lead in the 79th minute with a low shot, only for VAR to rule it out due to an offside infringement involving Endrick during the build-up.

This victory was a vital bounce-back for Madrid after their disappointing exit from the Champions League against Arsenal earlier in the week. With this win, they climbed to a total of 69 points, maintaining a comfortable six-point buffer over third-placed Atletico Madrid, who unexpectedly fell 1-0 to Las Palmas.

Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao remains in fourth place with 57 points, as the race for the title heats up.