Federico Valverde struck in stoppage time to complete Real Madrid’s comeback against AEK Athens and preserve their 100% record in this season’s Champions League.
The 15-time European champions had appeared destined for a shock defeat after falling behind with 15 minutes remaining, but Kylian Mbappe equalised before Valverde’s powerful effort from distance settled a thrilling contest in Athens.
Real Madrid had travelled to Greece seeking a fourth victory from four matches in the league phase, yet it was AEK Athens who made the stronger start. Aboubakary Koita opened the scoring with a fierce finish to put the hosts ahead.
Jude Bellingham then produced a remarkable piece of skill to turn the game around in the 32nd minute. The England midfielder back-heeled the ball across goal and into the net, giving the visitors the lead.
The goal also made Bellingham, aged 23 years and 128 days, the youngest player to score in seven consecutive Champions League seasons, surpassing his team-mate Mbappe.
AEK Athens continued to press for an equaliser and their persistence was rewarded 15 minutes later. Stavros Pilios first made a goal-saving block to prevent Mbappe from scoring, then sprinted the length of the pitch before ending the resulting attack with a finish at the near post.
That goal looked as though it would secure a famous victory for the hosts. However, Mbappe restored parity three minutes later when he converted from Denzel Dumfries’ ball.
With the match heading towards a draw, Valverde decided the outcome in dramatic fashion, sending a long-range strike beyond the AEK Athens goalkeeper to complete Real Madrid’s comeback.
Koita was sent off after the final whistle as tensions boiled over among the home side following the result.