Real Madrid scored a stoppage-time winner to beat AEK Athens 3-2 in a dramatic UEFA Champions League encounter on Wednesday, extending their unbeaten run in the competition to four matches.
Federico Valverde struck in the 92nd minute to complete a comeback after the Spanish giants had twice fallen behind at the Allwyn Arena.
Aboubakary Koita gave AEK an early lead in the 12th minute, finishing Luka Jovic’s assist to put the hosts ahead. Real Madrid responded in the 32nd minute through Jude Bellingham, who converted Marc Cucurella’s cross to restore parity.
AEK regained the lead in the 75th minute when Stavros Pilios finished a quick counterattack, with Koita providing the assist.
However, Real Madrid hit back three minutes later as Kylian Mbappe converted Denzel Dumfries’ pass to make it 2-2.
With the game seemingly heading for a draw, substitute Brahim Diaz picked out Valverde, who fired home from outside the box in the 92nd minute to snatch all three points for the visitors.
Real Madrid dominated possession with 70% and registered 24 shots against AEK’s nine. They also recorded 42 touches in the opposition penalty area, three times the hosts’ tally of 14.
Bellingham was named Player of the Match after an influential performance, while Koita’s evening ended with a red card in the fifth minute of stoppage time for abusive language.
The victory leaves Real Madrid second in the Champions League league phase standings with 12 points from four matches, level with leaders Paris Saint-Germain but behind on goal difference. AEK, meanwhile, remain 30th with three points.
