Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has singled out Federico Valverde for praise after his crucial strike against Athletic Club.
Still reeling from their Champions League quarter-final elimination at the hands of Arsenal, Los Blancos needed a response at the Santiago Bernabeu – and Valverde delivered, firing home in the 93rd minute with a fantastic volley.
“Valverde was the key,” Ancelotti said following the match. “The team played well. We were a bit slower in the first half, but in the second half we did well. We wanted to win, to react after our elimination. The team delivered, and Fede was the key player.”
After a sluggish opening 45 minutes, Madrid upped the intensity in the second period, with Vinicius Junior standing out as their most threatening player.
The Brazilian had a goal chalked off by VAR in the 80th minute after substitute Endrick was deemed offside in the buildup.
Despite the disallowed goal, Ancelotti was quick to praise Vinícius for his performance and mentality.
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“Vinicius is extraordinary,” he said. “He has a fantastic attitude. He scored the [disallowed] goal, played some key passes for [Jude] Bellingham, he was decisive as always.
“They haven’t been happy days for [Vini] or for us,” Ancelotti admitted. “I liked his reaction on the pitch a lot. He’ll be very important in the coming games, I have no doubts about that.”
The victory keeps Madrid four points adrift of LaLiga leaders Barcelona, with a busy stretch of fixtures ahead.
Next up is a midweek league clash with Getafe, followed by a Copa del Rey final against Barca on Saturday.
