Valverde’s late winner gives Real Madrid a 3-2 victory at AEK Athens
Real Madrid maintained their perfect Champions League start with a dramatic 3-2 win at AEK Athens, extending their run to seven consecutive victories in all competitions. Federico Valverde decided the match in the 92nd minute, driving a long-range shot across goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli after the Spanish side had twice been forced to recover from behind.
AEK made the stronger opening at the Agia Sophia Stadium and took the lead after 12 minutes. Aboubakary Koïta cut inside Marc Cucurella and struck at the near post, with Thibaut Courtois unable to keep out the Mauritanian winger’s effort. Courtois had already denied Luka Jovic, and saved from him again as the Greek champions threatened to build on their early pressure.
Real Madrid gradually took control, and Jude Bellingham equalised before half-time with an excellent flick from Cucurella’s low cross. Kylian Mbappé and Bellingham both had further chances as Madrid pressed for a second, but AEK reclaimed the lead in the 75th minute when Koïta set up Stavros Pilios, who finished through Courtois’s legs.
The response was immediate. Bellingham released Denzel Dumfries down the right, and the defender’s low ball across the six-yard box allowed Mbappé to level. It was Mbappé’s fourth Champions League goal in four games this season and his 16th in all competitions. Brignoli then tipped another Mbappé effort onto the crossbar, but Valverde’s late strike finally secured all three points for José Mourinho’s team.
Continue in the app — vote & join in ➔