Still upset at their group’s midweek exit from the Champions League, Real Madrid fans jeered suspended Kylian Mbappé after which cheered Federico Valverde after he scored late in a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish league on Sunday (April 20, 2025).
The slim victory for second-placed Madrid stored some stress on chief Barcelona.
Mbappé, serving a red-card suspension, was jeered by many fans on the Santiago Bernabeu stadium 4 days after he had already been booed in Madrid’s 2-1 second-leg loss to Arsenal in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. The Spanish powerhouse was eradicated 5-1 on combination from a contest it has received a report 15 instances.
“We did well today,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti stated. “We wanted to win again and rebound from the elimination. The team came through and Fede was key. This victory gives us a boost.” Valverde scored with a well-placed shot into the highest nook from the fitting fringe of the penalty space three minutes into second-half stoppage time.
Mbappe jeered
The Bernabeu was principally behind the group on Sunday, however some fans jeered when Mbappé was proven in the stadium on the massive video screens.
Vinícius Júnior, who additionally struggled on Wednesday however impressed on Sunday, had a aim disallowed across the eightieth due to an offside by Endrick in the buildup. Vinícius reached 200 wins with Madrid.
Jude Bellingham, taking part in in a false-nine place in assault, additionally carried out nicely for Madrid, which faces Barcelona in the Copa del Rey remaining on Saturday in Seville.
“He played well in that position,” Ancelotti stated. “We have done well with the formation in the past.” Defender Antonio Rüdiger performed his a hundred and fiftieth recreation with Madrid.
Inching nearer to Barcelona
The victory moved Madrid again inside 4 factors of Barcelona, which rallied to defeat Celta Vigo 4-3 on Saturday. Third-placed Atletico Madrid stayed 10 factors off the lead after shedding 1-0 at Las Palmas on Saturday. Fourth-placed Athletic is six factors behind Atletico.
“The goal didn’t want to come until Valverde once again came up with a wonder goal, like he does best,” Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stated.
“This was a very important win, we want to keep fighting. Barça won yesterday and it was our turn to win.” Fifth-placed Villarreal, 5 factors behind Athletic with a recreation in hand, was held to a 2-2 draw with midtable Real Sociedad.
Athletic, which had just one try on course on the Bernabeu, was coming off two victories in a row in all competitions.
Among these in attendance on the Bernabeu had been tennis participant Novak Djokovic and gymnast Simone Biles, who had been in Madrid for the Laureus Awards.
Other outcomes
Midtable Osasuna received 3-2 at last-placed Valladolid, which has misplaced 12 of its final 13 matches. Osasuna has received two in a row after 9 matches with out a win throughout all tournaments.
Sevilla, sitting in fifteenth place, drew 1-1 at dwelling towards 18th-placed Alaves. AP KHS KHS
Published – April 21, 2025 12:20 pm IST
