Federico Valverde Late Strike Secures Real Madrid Win at AEK Athens

Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against AEK Athens on Wednesday in the Champions League thanks to a late strike from Federico Valverde, maintaining their unbeaten start in the league phase.

Twice Behind in Athens

The Greek champions seized the initiative early at the Agia Sophia stadium, setting a fast tempo that troubled the visitors from the opening whistle. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved well from former Los Blancos striker Luka Jovic before Mauritanian winger Aboubakary Koïta caught the goalkeeper off guard in the 12th minute, shifting smartly inside Marc Cucurella and thumping home at the near post. Jose Mourinho’s side found themselves chasing the game as the hosts tried to make their strong start count.

The France forward Kylian Mbappé was frustrated by the AEK defense when Vinícius Júnior turned sharply and found him with a high pass, but the striker’s shot was blocked, and another effort from Mbappé bent narrowly wide of the top corner with Italian stopper Brignoli at full stretch.

Valverde Scores Late Winner After Mbappé Nets Equalizer

Madrid immediately responded with Bellingham playing Denzel Dumfries in down the right. The Netherlands defender rolled a low ball across the six-yard box, and this time Mbappé was able to finish, netting his fourth goal in four Champions League games this season and his 16th across all competitions. Real Madrid substitute Endrick sent Mbappé through on goal with five minutes remaining, but Brignoli produced a sensational save to tip his strike against the crossbar. With the score tied at 2-2, Valverde refused to give up on the three points and in the 92nd minute he lashed home across Brignoli to snatch all three points.

Fede has that capability…

Jose Mourinho

Mourinho started with Vinícius Júnior on the left flank, after he missed the team’s previous two matches through suspension in La Liga.

…I can make that decision and have the courage to hit it,

Federico Valverde

Valverde acknowledged his match-winning role as captain, helping secure Madrid’s seventh straight win across all competitions and preserving their 100% start in the group phase alongside holders Paris Saint-Germain.

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