Valverde’s stoppage-time rocket completes Real Madrid comeback at AEK Athens

Real Madrid maintained their perfect start to the UEFA Champions League league phase with a dramatic 3-2 victory at AEK Athens on Wednesday, recovering from behind twice before Federico Valverde struck the decisive goal in added time.

The result gives Real Madrid four wins from four matches and makes them the second side to claim a maximum 12 points, joining Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the standings. AEK Athens remain on three points in 30th place.

The win also extended Real Madrid’s run to seven consecutive victories since their defeat in the Madrid derby. Four of those wins have come in the league and three in the Champions League.

Real Madrid had failed to win on either of their previous two visits to AEK Athens, drawing one and losing the other in all competitions. According to the competition’s official website, Wednesday’s result was also AEK Athens’ first home defeat by a Spanish club in the UEFA Champions League.

It was only Real Madrid’s second victory in nine European matches played in Greece. They have drawn five and lost two of the other eight fixtures.

AEK Athens take the lead

The hosts began with attacking intent and went ahead in the 12th minute when Aboubakary Koita fired a powerful shot past Thibaut Courtois from inside the penalty area.

Real Madrid appeared to have levelled in the 28th minute when Vinicius Junior found the net with a fierce strike. The goal was ruled out, however, because Jude Bellingham was judged to be offside while attempting to follow up the effort.

Bellingham made amends four minutes later with an outstanding backheel finish. The England midfielder converted Marc Cucurella’s cross to bring Real Madrid level before half-time.

Valverde settles the contest

Real Madrid pushed forward after the interval in search of another comeback, but AEK Athens responded strongly and exploited the spaces left in the visitors’ defence.

The Greek side regained the lead in the 75th minute. Stavros Pilios finished from Koita’s pass, with the forward who had scored the opening goal turning provider.

Real Madrid’s response again came quickly. Three minutes later, Kylian Mbappe equalised after meeting a precise low cross from Denzel Dumfries.

With the match seemingly heading for Real Madrid’s first draw of the season in all competitions, substitute captain Federico Valverde produced the final twist. The Uruguay international unleashed a fierce effort in second-half stoppage time, and the ball deflected beyond the goalkeeper before settling in the net.

Fixture listings accompanying the report also showed Valencia in La Liga on 07 November 2026, Real Madrid against AEK Athens, and Levadiakos in the Greek Super League on 08 November 2026.