Real Madrid edged out Athletic Bilbao 1-0 in a tense LaLiga clash, with Federico Valverde scoring the decisive goal in the 90+3 minute. The Uruguayan midfielder’s stunning strike was the culmination of a match that saw several contentious moments. A Vinícius Júnior goal was ruled out for offside against Endrick, sparking controversy, and Jude Bellingham’s pleas for a penalty went unheeded, with the VAR opting not to intervene.
Ancelotti Slams VAR
Carlo Ancelotti was scathing in his criticism of the VAR’s handling of the match, particularly with regards to Bellingham’s penalty appeals. “The new football is this,” Ancelotti fumed in a press conference. “The goal being disallowed… what’s not automatic is strange. The VAR not calling the referee to check for a penalty is the new modern football.” Ancelotti’s ire was likely fueled by the contrasting treatment of Barcelona’s penalty against Celta, which was awarded after VAR intervention.
Valverde’s Winner Steals the Show
Despite the controversy surrounding the match, Ancelotti was quick to praise Valverde’s match-winning goal. “Valverde’s fantastic goal was the key,” he said. “The game was slow in the first half, but improved in every sense in the second. The team delivered.” The Italian manager also expressed gratitude for the positive reception from the fans following the team’s Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal. “I had no doubts about the fans,” Ancelotti said. “They believe we can achieve something this season, just like we do.”
The win moves Real Madrid closer to their LaLiga targets, with the team’s performance and Valverde’s goal likely to be key talking points in the days ahead.
- Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao 1-0
- Federico Valverde scored the winning goal
- Carlo Ancelotti criticized VAR’s handling of the match