Real Madrid Gears Up for Title Chase Against Athletic Bilbao
In the pressure-cooker atmosphere of Spain’s top football flight, Real Madrid have set the stage for their next chapter in the La Liga title race. On April 20, 2025, the legendary Santiago Bernabéu will witness Real’s latest push as they hosted Athletic Bilbao, with the squad announcement drawing plenty of eyeballs. Sitting six points adrift of fierce rivals Barcelona before kick-off, Madrid knew that every game—and every lineup decision—carried big consequences.
Carlo Ancelotti called up a squad studded with powerful names and intriguing young talent. In goal, Thibaut Courtois made a return to the matchday squad following his recovery, sharing duties with Andriy Lunin, who has been reliable when called upon. The defensive line looked solid: Eduardo Camavinga, usually a flexible midfielder but increasingly used at left-back, lined up with Antonio Rüdiger. Youngsters like Raúl Asencio featured as well, providing depth and energy in the backline.
Midfield is where Madrid’s ambitions shine brightest. England’s sensation Jude Bellingham remains central to their plans—even after grueling Champions League nights. Alongside him, the tireless Federico Valverde offered both grit and creativity. Luka Modrić, ever the metronome, continued his iconic Bernabéu presence. He was joined by Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, and Dani Ceballos, offering a blend of experience, composure, and youth.
Up front, the pace and daring of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo promised headaches for any opposing defense. There’s fresh excitement too: Brazilian prodigy Endrick—already a social media hit despite his tender age—joined Brahim Díaz in giving Madrid options for breaking the deadlock.
Valverde’s Late Heroics Lift Madrid’s Spirits
The match itself became a test of patience, nerves, and tactics. Athletic Bilbao, refusing to roll over, presented a determined and occasionally stubborn resistance. Despite resting several regulars and rotating heavily, Athletic showed why they remain one of Spain’s most unpredictable sides. For most of the match, Madrid found themselves frustrated, with quality chances coming only in fits and starts.
Courtois and Lunin, when called upon, held firm. The defense—anchored by Rüdiger—weathered a few scares but largely subdued Bilbao’s attacking innovations. The midfield trio kept ticking the play over, but finding clear looks at goal proved tricky. Vinícius and Rodrygo flashed menace down the wings, but the breakthrough just wouldn’t come—until almost the very end.
With seconds left in stoppage time, it was Federico Valverde who wrote his name into the night’s headlines. Charging forward from midfield, he smashed home a dramatic winner that finally broke Bilbao’s brave resistance. The stadium erupted, knowing exactly what a crucial three points this could turn out to be with so much riding on every matchday at this stage of the season.
That win didn’t just keep Madrid’s faint title dreams alive; it sent a statement. Barcelona’s gap shrank to just four points, setting up a nerve-racking run-in. Madrid’s mix of seasoned stars and bold new faces proved its worth—not just in individual talents, but in the way they stayed committed until the very last whistle.
For fans, every squad announcement feels like a puzzle. Will the stars be rested? Will the youngsters step up? Against Athletic, Real Madrid had their answer—and the three points that came with it, keeping one of Europe’s most heated title races very much alive.