Federico Valverde scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Real Madrid came from behind twice to defeat AEK Athens 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
The Uruguayan midfielder struck in the 92nd minute at the Allwyn Arena in Athens, extending Real Madrid’s perfect start to the competition under manager José Mourinho.
Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé also scored for the Spanish giants, while Aboubakary Koïta and Stavros Pilios found the net for the Greek hosts.
The victory handed Madrid their fourth consecutive Champions League win, taking their tally to 12 points from four matches.
AEK Athens take early lead against Real Madrid
The hosts began strongly and stunned Madrid in the 12th minute when Koïta opened the scoring.
The forward cut inside before firing past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to give AEK an early advantage.
Madrid responded by increasing their attacking pressure, with Bellingham, Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior looking to create opportunities.
Their persistence paid off in the 32nd minute when Bellingham produced a clever backheel finish from Marc Cucurella’s cross to restore parity.
The goal ensured that the two teams entered the interval level at 1-1.
Valverde rescues Madrid after AEK regain lead
AEK continued to threaten after the restart and regained their advantage in the 75th minute through Pilios.
However, the hosts’ celebrations were short-lived as Mbappé equalised three minutes later.
The French international converted after Denzel Dumfries delivered a pass into the attacking area.
Madrid continued pushing for a winner, with Mbappé striking the crossbar following an attacking move involving substitute Endrick.
With the match appearing destined for a draw, Valverde produced the decisive moment in the second minute of stoppage time.
The midfielder, who started the match on the bench, unleashed a powerful long-range effort that beat the AEK goalkeeper and sealed a dramatic victory.
Real Madrid maintain perfect Champions League record
The victory preserved Madrid’s unbeaten record in the league phase, having previously defeated Inter Milan, Roma and RB Leipzig.
Mourinho’s side have now accumulated 12 points from their opening four matches, strengthening their position in the competition.
The encounter also marked a notable milestone for Bellingham, who became the youngest player to reach 60 appearances in the Champions League.
For AEK Athens, the defeat represented another setback in their European campaign despite a competitive performance against the Spanish giants.
Madrid will next face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on November 24, while AEK travel to Italy to face Como on the same date.
