Star-Studded Real Madrid Squad Gears Up for Athletic Bilbao Clash
The Santiago Bernabéu lights shone bright for one of the most anticipated matches of La Liga Matchday 32 as Real Madrid unveiled a squad loaded with talent and ambition. Carlo Ancelotti didn’t leave anything to chance, naming all his major midfield weapons—Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Luka Modrić, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, and Dani Ceballos. These players have formed the engine room that's powered Los Blancos' relentless La Liga campaign so far.
Up front, the firepower is just as intimidating. The likes of Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, Brazilian sensation Endrick, and the versatile Brahim Díaz made the attacking lineup as Real looked to keep their pursuit of table-toppers Barcelona alive. Ancelotti’s bench was also stacked, with defensive backup from Fran González, Fran García, and David Alaba returning from injury, along with keeper Andriy Lunin and seasoned defenders Jesús Vallejo and Lucas Vázquez. The inclusion of several youth prospects like Arda Güler underlines the blend of future and experience at Real Madrid right now.
Athletic's Brave Lineup and the Drama at the Bernabéu
But it wasn’t just the hosts assembling their best. Athletic Bilbao came into Madrid aiming to punch above their weight, bringing a 23-man squad that signaled intent. They put their faith in reliable names—keeper Unai Simón, always a tough wall to break; the blazingly quick Iñaki Williams on the flanks; creative spark Oihan Sancet; midfield orchestrator Ander Díaz; and the ever-energetic Iñigo Lekue.
The match itself was full of tension but short on goals. Real Madrid pressed, probed, and pounced, but Athletic’s disciplined defense didn’t budge easily. Unai Simón pulled off two stunning saves in the first half—one from a curling Vinícius Jr. effort, and another acrobatic block to deny Bellingham’s close-range header. On the other side of the pitch, Williams’ blistering run in the 52nd minute nearly caught Real sleeping, but Lunin’s safe hands kept it level.
The Bernabéu crowd didn’t see a breakthrough until stoppage time. It was Valverde, the energetic Uruguayan, who snatched the headlines. As Madrid launched a last attack from a set piece, a loose clearance found its way to Valverde at the edge of the area. Without hesitation, he blasted a volley through a crowd of bodies. The stadium erupted as the ball skimmed beyond Simón’s fingertips—securing a precious 1-0 win for Madrid.
This hard-fought victory means Real Madrid remain just four points behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race. It's a reminder of how every single point matters during the final run-in when the difference between glory and heartbreak is razor thin.
Both squads showed exactly why La Liga holds its reputation for gritty matches and dramatic finishes. For Madrid, the depth and balance of their squad—with stars stepping up when it counts—might just be what keeps their hopes alive in this tense campaign.
