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La Liga – Real Madrid 1–0 Athletic Club – Carlo Ancelotti Post-Match Interview, Thibaut Courtois Comments on Fede Valverde and More

Real Madrid Has The Best Home Record In La Liga This Season.

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Real Madrid grabbed three crucial points in their victory over Athletic Club on Sunday. After struggling to find an opening in the first half, Carlo Ancelotti’s side responded well after the hour mark as they began to create openings. Ernesto Valverde and Atletic Club soaked in the pressure almost sailing the ship over the line.

Federico Valverde had other plans as he stole the game in injury time with a powerful half-volley from the edge of the box. Putting his team ahead in the dying moments, the Uruguayan has kept their La Liga title hopes alive narrowing the gap between FC Barcelona and them to four points.

🦅 @FedeeValverde 🦅 pic.twitter.com/dtRpbQBuLk
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 20, 2025

‘Fede Was Decisive’ – Ancelotti After Valverde’s Last Minute Winner

Ancelotti who understood the importance of the game was seen animated following the full-time whistle. Embracing Valverde and his efforts, it was a rare sighting given the Italian’s disciplined image on the touchline.

Appreciating Valverde and expressing the importance of the clash, Ancelotti in his post-match interview said:

“Fede was decisive because he scored the goal. The team played well, they were a little slower in the first half. In the second half, we did well in all aspects. It was a good match for the team, we were quite aggressive, we didn’t concede goals, we were more united. Let’s see if we can continue to improve. In the first half, we were in control.“

🗣️ @FedeeValverde: "Hola Madridistas, bueno, agradecidos, por el cariño y por el apoyo, en esta noche, en este partido. Siempre estamos muy agradecidos a ustedes, por brindarnos ese cariño, ese aliento durante todo el partido, durante todo los días. Agradecerles por todo, y… pic.twitter.com/P3a7fy5OCG
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 20, 2025

The Real Madrid game against Athletic Club also involved some questionable VAR moments. Reflecting on the incidents, the Italian manager continued:

“Referee errors? I think this is the new football. Vinicius’ disallowed goal is indisputable in this respect because it was almost automatic. VAR did not call the referee to award Bellingham the penalty. This is the new, modern football.”

Thibaut Courtois Talks On Fede Valverde’s Shooting Technique

Valverde has known for his long-range goals over the few seasons. Pulling some important volley’s like the UCL Manchester City and today’s he has also added weight in clutch moments.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois who faces Valverde in training every week has addressed his shooting technique spinny and powerful. Urging the Uruguayan to shoot more, Courtois in his post-game interview said:

“In training, Fede Valverde easily does one or two of these shots a week. We’ve been telling him for many years, ‘Shoot, shoot, shoot.’ He has a very good shot and that’s what he did.”

“Fede has a very strange and very good shot. Yesterday in training, he shot the ball towards me and it looked like it was going to go out and suddenly it spun. I asked him: “How do you shoot like that?” It’s very spinny, fast, powerful.”

ALSO READ: Real Madrid 1–0 Athletic Club La Liga – Fede Valverde Connects a Clutch Half Volley in Stoppage Time, Player Rating, Ancelotti Post-Match Reaction and More

Valverde has evolved through the season filling in at the fullback position since the start of the year. Showing his versatility, the 26-year-old has played in all parts of the pitch for Real Madrid now.

With constant contribution and efforts, Valverde has established himself as one of the pillars of the rebuilding Real Madrid team. Additionally, stealing the show in absence of striker Kylian Mbappe through suspension, Valverde will be chanted on the streets for Madrid this week.

Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Club

Carlo Ancelotti

Federico Valverde

La Liga

Real Madrid

Mayur Dedwal

soccer

I’m a Sports Content Writer with expertise in football. Being a decade old football enthusiast and part-time coach, I try to bring to life to the articles in a statistical manner. Being around all kinds of sports updates and able to put in my perspective’s to the happenings in the world of football are few of the many things i like in doing what i do. You can find me playing Sunday leagues or Xbox on weekends!