Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Real Madrid: 5 talking points as Los Blancos win to survive another day in title race | La Liga 2020-21

Real Madrid eked out a slender 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga to keep their slim title hopes alive. However, Atletico Madrid's victory against Osasuna means a miracle is needed for Los Blancos to win the title on the final matchday.

Los Rojiblancos remain two points ahead of their city rivals and must drop points in their last game against relegation-battling Real Valladolid, while the defending champions are at home to fifth-placed Villarreal.

Outgoing manager Zinedine Zidane will still take heart from tonight's win. Nacho Fernandez scored in the 68th minute to keep their slim title hopes alive, before Raul Garcia was sent off in the penultimate minute of normal time for a rash challenge.

There's all to play for next Sunday and Los Blancos will hope to give the French honcho a perfect send-off by clinching the league.

Here are the major talking points from San Mames:

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#1 Nacho's first goal of the season couldn't have come soon enough

Nacho scored a very crucial goal for Real Madrid

Nacho Fernandez doesn't score many goals. In fact, he hasn't ever been a regular starter for Real Madrid. But tonight, in a rare appearance in the starting XI, the Spaniard scored, helping the side clinch all three points in a must-win clash.

Casemiro laid a cross into the box that missed Karim Benzema, but Nacho was right behind him and tapped home from five yards out for his first league goal of the season. And it couldn't have come soon enough as it kept Los Blancos alive in the title race. But only just.

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#2 Should Real Madrid have been given a penalty for Morcillo handball?

Eder Militao was penalized for a similar incident last week - so why not give this a handball too?

The biggest talking point from a cagey opening half was the handball incident. Alvaro Odriozola's cross was intercepted inside the area by Jon Morcillo, but with an outstretched elbow, which is normally considered a foul resulting in a penalty. But not tonight.

Referee Antonio Lahoz refused to consult the pitchside monitor as Real Madrid players didn't appeal for a handball. However, they'll be hard-pressed after watching the replays, as a similar incident with Eder Militao resulted in a penalty for Sevilla last week.

The incident yet again laid bare the egregious standard of refereeing in Spanish football.

#3 Real Madrid need a creative talisman

Real Madrid needed a moment of inspiration to win tonight

It was very clear tonight that this Real Madrid side desperately need a player who can help in breaking down mean outfits like Athletic Bilbao. Even though Luka Modric put in another terrific shift, he'll turn 36 later this year and the side cannot afford to rely on him much longer.

They struggled to find a way past the stoic defense of Los Leones in the first-half and, despite upping their tempo after the break, failed to carve out many clear cut chances. Ultimately, a lapse in concentration at the back from Bilbao made the difference, but the Whites cannot ride their luck every time.

Eden Hazard must either recapture his mojo or they'll be forced to sign a new creative talisman.

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#4 Raul Garcia suspended from Bilbao's final showdown

Garcia will miss the last game of the season after getting sent off tonight

Raul Garcia was given a straight red for a challenge he made in the 89th minute and will now be suspended from Athletic Bilbao's final game away to Elche on Sunday.

It's unclear exactly what he did, but referee Antonio Lahoz didn't hesitate to send him off. That ensured he completed his 'league double' of red cards against Real Madrid this season, as the Spaniard was also sent for an early bath during the reverse fixture in December.

The former Atletico Madrid player will now sit out the season finale and leave the door ajar for Iker Muniain to come into his shoes.

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#5 Real Madrid alive in the race but need a miracle to retain title

Zidane could bow out with yet another trophy, but needs a huge miracle

Real Madrid could've relinquished their La Liga crown today itself, but Nacho's goal kept them alive going into the final matchday. However, with Atletico Madrid also pulling off a late comeback, the holders remain two points adrift.

That means Rojiblancos will have to either draw or lose to Real Valladolid next Sunday for the Whites to retain their title, although it seems like a tough prospect on paper as the side languishes second from bottom and were mauled by Real Sociedad tonight.

To avoid relegation, the Blanquivioletas have to win, come hell or high water. There's no other way for them to survive now. But can they, really?

Meanwhile, Real Madrid face tough opposition from Villarreal, who're fighting for a spot in the Europa League and will be aiming for nothing less than three points.

Either way, we're in for a treat on the final matchday! Keep your popcorn ready. There will be fireworks.