Real Madrid produced a dramatic comeback to defeat AEK Athens 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
Federico Valverde scored a stunning late winner to secure all three points for the Spanish giants after an entertaining encounter at the Allwyn Arena in Athens.
The victory keeps Jose Mourinho’s perfect Champions League record intact, with Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Valverde all finding the net.
AEK Athens put up a strong fight and twice took the lead, but they could not stop the visitors from completing a late turnaround.
The home side made a bright start and took a shocking lead in the 12th minute through Aboubakary Koïta that made the scoreline 1-0.
The forward received a pass from Luka Jovic, controlled the ball inside the penalty area and finished with his left foot into the bottom-right corner, leaving Thibaut Courtois with no chance.
Real Madrid tried to respond quickly, with Jude Bellingham seeing an early effort blocked. AEK also threatened through Harold Moukoudi, whose header from a Lovro Majer cross was saved by Courtois.
Luka Jovic had another opportunity in the 17th minute, but his left-footed effort was comfortably saved by the Real Madrid goalkeeper as play carried on.
Madrid continued to dominate possession and created several opportunities. Despite how many times they came close, their final touch wasn’t going as planned.
Vinicius Junior came close, while Kylian Mbappe missed a chance in the 21st minute after receiving a pass from Yan Diomande, sending his effort over the crossbar.
The visitors eventually found their equaliser in the 32nd minute. Marc Cucurella delivered a cross into the penalty area, and Bellingham produced an excellent backheel finish to beat Alberto Brignoli and make it 1-1.
The goal gave the visitors more confidence as they continued looking for another breakthrough. However, neither side could find the net again before half-time.
Kervin Arriaga received a yellow card in the 34th minute, while Madrid continued to create chances through Vinicius Junior, Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella.
The second half started with the away side pushing forward. Eder Militao tested Brignoli with a long-range effort in the 50th minute, but the goalkeeper made an important save to keep things level.
AEK made changes, bringing on Zine and later Barnabás Varga and Răzvan Marin. Madrid also introduced Federico Valverde and Endrick as they searched for another goal.
However, the host surprised the visitors again in the 75th minute. Aboubakary Koïta led a quick counterattack before setting up Stavros Pilios, who finished with his left foot to restore the home side’s advantage at 2-1.
The goal put Madrid under pressure, but their response was almost immediate. In the 78th minute, Real Madrid found their second equaliser through Kylian Mbappe.
Denzel Dumfries provided the assist with a low cross into the penalty area, allowing the French forward to finish from close range and make it 2-2.
Madrid continued searching for a winner, with Mbappe and Endrick testing the AEK defence. Alberto Brignoli also produced an important save to deny Mbappe in the closing stages.
Brahim Diaz missed a big opportunity in the 87th minute, sending his effort over and wide after receiving a cross from Mbappe. Just when the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Federico Valverde produced a moment of quality in the 90th minute.
Assisted by Brahim Diaz, the Uruguayan midfielder fired a powerful right-footed shot from outside the penalty area into the top-right corner to give Madrid a 3-2 lead.
AEK’s night became even worse when Koïta received a red card in stoppage time. Real Madrid held on to secure a valuable 3-2 away victory against their opponent who did not make it easy.
The victory takes Jose Mourinho’s side to 12 points from four matches in the Champions League league phase, maintaining their 100 per cent winning record. They remain second in the standings, behind Paris Saint-Germain on goal difference.
They will be pleased with their fighting spirit, especially after coming from behind twice away from home. Valverde’s late strike was the difference, while Bellingham and Mbappe also played important roles in the comeback.
The result sends another strong message to their Champions League rivals that Real Madrid remain a team capable of finding a way to win even when things become difficult under Jose Mourinho.
