Champions League Thriller: Real Madrid Fight Back Twice To Sink AEK Athens 3-2

Real Madrid maintained their perfect start to this season’s UEFA Champions League campaign after Federico Valverde scored a dramatic 92nd-minute winner to secure a 3-2 victory over AEK Athens on Wednesday night.

The Spanish giants had to come from behind twice before Valverde’s powerful strike from outside the penalty area settled the contest and secured all three points.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the victory marked Real Madrid’s fourth consecutive win in the Champions League league phase this season, matching the record of defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, who have also won all four of their opening matches. The result further extended Madrid’s winning streak to seven games across all competitions.

AEK Athens made a lively start and took the lead in the 12th minute through Aboubakary Koita. The Mauritanian winger moved inside Marc Cucurella before unleashing a powerful effort that beat Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois at the near post.

Courtois had earlier denied former Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic as the Greek side continued to threaten the visitors.

Madrid gradually grew into the encounter and found an equaliser through Jude Bellingham. The England international produced a clever flicked finish from Cucurella’s low cross to beat AEK goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli and restore parity.

Both teams created further opportunities before the interval, but neither could find another goal.

After the restart, AEK continued to threaten, while Brignoli remained alert to keep Madrid at bay. Kylian Mbappe also came close, but his effort narrowly missed the target.

The hosts regained the advantage in the 75th minute when Stavros Pilios finished from close range after Koita supplied the assist, putting AEK in front for the second time.

However, Real Madrid responded almost immediately. Bellingham released Denzel Dumfries down the right flank, and the Netherlands defender delivered a low cross into the six-yard area for Mbappe to convert and make it 2-2.

The goal was Mbappe’s fourth in as many Champions League appearances this season, having scored in every match. It also increased his overall tally across all competitions to 16 goals.

Madrid continued searching for a winner, with substitute Endrick coming close to making the difference after setting up Mbappe with a scoring opportunity five minutes before the end. However, Brignoli produced an impressive save to divert the French forward’s effort onto the crossbar.

Just as the match appeared destined to end in a draw, Valverde delivered the decisive moment in the second minute of stoppage time. The Uruguay international unleashed a powerful strike across the goalkeeper to complete Madrid’s comeback and seal a thrilling 3-2 victory.

The result further strengthened Real Madrid’s impressive Champions League run, while AEK Athens were left disappointed after twice taking the lead but failing to hold on for a positive result.