UCL: Valverde’s Late Goal Fires Real Madrid to 3-2 Win Over AEK

Federico Valverde struck in stoppage time as Real Madrid twice recovered from behind to beat AEK Athens 3-2 and maintain their perfect Champions League record

Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, after Federico Valverde scored a stunning stoppage-time winner to preserve the Spanish side’s perfect record in the competition.

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Jose Mourinho’s men twice came from behind at the Allwyn Arena in Athens before Valverde settled the contest in the 92nd minute, extending Real Madrid’s winning run in the league phase to four matches.

The result moved Madrid to 12 points, level with defending champions Paris Saint-Germain but behind them on goal difference. AEK, meanwhile, remained on three points after suffering another defeat.

The hosts made an energetic start and took the lead in the 12th minute through Aboubakary Koita, who cut inside before driving a powerful effort past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

AEK continued to threaten, with former Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic forcing Courtois into further saves as the Greek side looked to capitalise on their early momentum.

Madrid gradually grew into the contest, however, and Jude Bellingham restored parity in the 32nd minute with an excellent flicked finish from Marc Cucurella’s low delivery.

The England international had earlier seen another effort ruled out for offside, but his equaliser ensured the visitors went into the break level after taking greater control of proceedings.

Madrid continued to press after the restart, with Eder Militao and Cucurella testing AEK’s defensive resolve. Goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli also produced important interventions to keep his side in the contest.

Kylian Mbappe came close to putting the visitors ahead, bending an effort narrowly wide as Madrid searched for a breakthrough.

However, AEK regained the lead in the 75th minute through Stavros Pilios. Koita created the opportunity with a well-timed pass, allowing the Albanian defender to finish from close range and put the home supporters back in celebration.

Madrid responded almost immediately. Bellingham released Denzel Dumfries down the right, and the Dutch defender delivered a low ball across the penalty area for Mbappe to convert in the 78th minute.

The goal was Mbappe’s fourth in four Champions League appearances this season, maintaining his scoring record in the competition’s opening matches.

Madrid pushed for a winner as the match approached its conclusion. Endrick came close to putting the visitors ahead after being played through by Bellingham, but Brignoli produced an excellent save to divert his effort against the crossbar.

Valverde eventually delivered the decisive moment in the second minute of stoppage time.

The Uruguayan midfielder, who had come on as a substitute, collected a pass from Brahim Diaz before unleashing a powerful right-footed effort from outside the penalty area into the top corner.

The strike completed Madrid’s comeback and handed Mourinho’s side all three points in a fiercely contested encounter.

The result also maintained Madrid’s 100 per cent record after four matches in the Champions League league phase, strengthening their position among the leading contenders for qualification to the knockout rounds.

For AEK, the defeat was a painful outcome after twice taking the lead against one of European football’s most decorated clubs.

Koita’s late red card added to the disappointment for the Greek side, who were unable to hold on despite their spirited performance.

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Madrid will take encouragement from another comeback victory, with Bellingham, Mbappe and Valverde all making decisive contributions to a result that keeps their European campaign firmly on track.