Valverde strikes in stoppage time as Real Madrid beat AEK Athens 3-2

Federico Valverde scored in the second minute of stoppage time as Real Madrid beat AEK Athens 3-2 on Wednesday, November 4, recovering from two deficits to maintain their perfect Champions League start. Europa Press reported that the victory gave Madrid 12 points from four league-phase matches and kept them inside the top eight.

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The decisive contribution came from a substitute. Valverde entered in the 67th minute, with the sides still level at 1-1, before settling a match that produced three more goals. LaLiga's match feed credited Brahim Díaz with the assist for his winner, a right-footed strike from outside the penalty area into the upper-right corner of Alberto Brignoli's goal.

AEK had made Madrid work from the opening stages. Thibaut Courtois saved an early effort from Mijat Gacinovic, but Aboubakary Koïta put the hosts ahead in the 12th minute. According to Europa Press, Koïta beat Marc Cucurella before finishing, while Madrid initially struggled to respond to the home side's quick start. Jude Bellingham then had an effort ruled out for offside before providing the first equaliser.

Bellingham's goal arrived in the 32nd minute from Cucurella's cross, bringing Madrid level before the interval. The match feed recorded further chances either side of half-time: Brignoli saved from Cucurella and then Éder Militão, while Bernardo Silva headed wide. Madrid continued to threaten without moving ahead, and Cucurella also had an effort blocked after being supplied by Kylian Mbappé in the second half.

The hosts regained the advantage in the 75th minute when Stavros Pilios scored following a counterattack, with Koïta supplying the assist. Madrid's response took just three minutes. Denzel Dumfries set up Mbappé for a close-range finish to make it 2-2, leaving the visitors with time to pursue a winner after once again cancelling out an AEK lead.

Europa Press reported that Mbappé subsequently struck the crossbar after Endrick sent him through, before Valverde finally completed the turnaround. The agency also reported that Koïta received a straight red card after the final whistle. AEK had led twice, but Madrid departed with all three points thanks to two equalisers and their substitute's late finish.