Real Madrid Snatch Late Win at AEK Athens
Athens, Greece — Trailing twice inside an electric Agia Sophia Stadium in Athens, Real Madrid once again demonstrated their incomparable European pedigree—snatching a thrilling 3–2 victory over AEK Athens courtesy of a sublime 92nd-minute stoppage-time winner from Uruguayan midfield dynamo Federico Valverde.
The hard-earned triumph keeps José Mourinho’s 15-time European champions completely flawless with four wins from four matches (12 points) at the summit of the UEFA Champions League league phase, moving within touching distance of automatic Round of 16 qualification.
Bellingham and Mbappé Respond in Five-Goal Thriller
Madrid found themselves trailing in the 12th minute when former Bernabéu forward Luka Jović threaded a pass for Aboubakary Koita to slot AEK Athens into a surprise 1–0 lead. Celebrating his landmark 60th career Champions League appearance, Jude Bellingham leveled the score in the 32nd minute with an audacious backheel flick from Marc Cucurella’s cross after an earlier effort had been disallowed by VAR.
When Stavros Pilios restored AEK’s lead early in the second half by squeezing a deflected strike past Thibaut Courtois, Madrid manager José Mourinho turned to his substitutes. Right-back Denzel Dumfries delivered a superb cross for Kylian Mbappé to turn home his 53rd Champions League goal in the 67th minute, setting up a frenetic finale.
Valverde’s 92nd-Minute Thunderbolt Seals Comeback
As the match ticked into stoppage time, AEK Athens retreated into a deep defensive block to protect the draw. However, Real Madrid’s relentless pressure breached the hosts once more in the 92nd minute:
- The Build-Up: Substitute Brahim Díaz danced past two defenders on the edge of the box before cushioning a delicate lay-off into Valverde’s path.
- The Strike: Arriving at full sprint, Federico Valverde unleashed a venomous first-time strike from 25 yards that arrowed into the top-right corner past the helpless AEK goalkeeper.
Key Match Takeaways & Group Standings
- Final Score: AEK Athens 2–3 Real Madrid (Koita 12′, Pilios 54′; Bellingham 32′, Mbappé 67′, Valverde 90+2′).
- Flawless 12 Points: Real Madrid join Bayern Munich atop the standings with four consecutive victories, having scored 11 goals across their opening four games.
Frequently Asked Questions
What milestone did Jude Bellingham reach against AEK Athens?
Jude Bellingham celebrated his 60th career UEFA Champions League appearance by scoring Madrid’s opening goal with a stylish backheel.
Who provided the assist for Valverde’s winning goal?
Substitute Brahim Díaz provided the calm lay-off that set up Federico Valverde’s 92nd-minute thunderbolt.
