Real Madrid produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat AEK Athens 3-2 in their UEFA Champions League league-phase encounter on Wednesday, with Federico Valverde scoring a stoppage-time winner to seal victory for the Spanish giants.
In a thrilling five-goal contest, Real Madrid twice came from behind before Valverde struck in the 90th minute to deny the Greek side a share of the points.
AEK made an impressive start and took the lead in the 12th minute through Aboubakary Koita, who curled the ball into the net after receiving a pass from Luka Jovic.
Real Madrid thought they had equalised in the 28th minute when Jude Bellingham found the net, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review for offside.
Bellingham made no mistake four minutes later, however, finishing a well-worked move with a backheel in the 32nd minute after a brilliant pass from Marc Cucurella to bring Real Madrid level.
The visitors dominated possession and created several opportunities, but AEK remained dangerous on the counterattack.
The Greek side regained the lead in the 75th minute when Stavro Pilo connected with a precise pass from Koita and beat goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a low finish.
Real Madrid responded almost immediately. Three minutes later, Kylian Mbappe converted a pass from Denzel Dumfries to restore parity at 2-2.
The visitors intensified their search for a winner, with Mbappe coming agonisingly close in the 86th minute. His effort was saved by AEK goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli and deflected onto the crossbar.
Just when the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Valverde delivered the decisive moment in the 90th minute. The midfielder controlled a pass from Brahim Diaz before unleashing a powerful strike from the edge of the box into the right side of the net.
AEK’s difficult evening ended on another sour note in stoppage time when Koita was sent off for offensive conduct, leaving the hosts to finish the encounter with 10 men.
