Federico Valverde scored in the second minute of stoppage time. Real Madrid came from behind twice to beat AEK Athens 3-2 in Athens on Wednesday. They preserved their perfect Champions League record.
The win kept Real Madrid on four wins from four league-phase matches. In addition, that start keeps the 15-time European champions among the early pacesetters in the competition.
Real Madrid AEK Athens 3-2: First-half goals
AEK took the lead in the 12th minute, according to Reuters. Then Aboubakary Koita cut inside and fired into the top corner from just inside the box.
Jude Bellingham equalised in the 32nd minute with a deft backheel from Marc Cucurella’s low cross. Earlier, a Bellingham effort did not count for offside in the 27th minute, Reuters reported.
AEK regained the lead in the 75th minute. Then Koita’s driving run and pass set up Stavros Pilios. Pilios’ low shot went through goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ legs.
Kylian Mbappe levelled three minutes later, tapping in Denzel Dumfries’ cross, and the goal was his fourth in four Champions League games this season and his 16th in all competitions, according to NDTV.
Madrid almost won it before Valverde’s strike. However, substitute Endrick sent Mbappe through. AEK goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli tipped his shot against the crossbar.
Valverde came on as a substitute in the 67th minute. He received the ball from Brahim Diaz. Then he struck from distance in the 92nd minute to complete Madrid’s second comeback of the night.
| Minute | Scorer | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | Aboubakary Koita | AEK Athens |
| 32 | Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid |
| 75 | Stavros Pilios | AEK Athens |
| 78 | Kylian Mbappe | Real Madrid |
| 90+2 | Federico Valverde | Real Madrid |
Finally, Koita received a red card in stoppage time. Meanwhile, Madrid held on for all three points. That left AEK on three points from their four matches.
The result came on a night when Liverpool lost their perfect start in a 3-2 defeat at Fenerbahce, while Como thrashed Lens 9-1 to equal the biggest winning margin in Champions League history.
In short, the 3-2 scoreline, the five scorers and the timing of Valverde’s winner are clear. However, the rest of the league phase still has to shape the race for direct qualification. The next matchday still awaits.
