…..Bellingham, Mbappe also score as Mourinho’s men preserve 100 per cent record
Real Madrid came from behind twice to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over AEK Athens in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League encounter, with Federico Valverde scoring a stunning stoppage-time winner to preserve the Spanish giants’ perfect record in the competition.
The encounter, played at the Allwyn Arena in Athens, Greece, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, saw the 15-time European champions overcome a determined AEK side in an entertaining five-goal contest.
The hosts made a bright start and took the lead in the 12th minute through Aboubakary Koita, who cut inside before firing a powerful effort past Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid responded with increased attacking pressure and eventually restored parity in the 32nd minute through England midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham produced an impressive backheel finish after connecting with a low cross from Marc Cucurella to make it 1-1.
Despite Madrid’s efforts to take control, AEK continued to threaten and regained the advantage in the 75th minute when Stavros Pilios finished from close range following a counter-attacking move created by Koita.
However, Madrid’s response was immediate, as Kylian Mbappe equalised just three minutes later.
The French forward converted a low delivery from Denzel Dumfries in the 78th minute to make it 2-2 and put the visitors back in contention.
Mbappe nearly completed the turnaround before the final whistle, but his effort was tipped onto the crossbar by AEK goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli.
With the match heading towards a draw, Valverde produced the decisive moment in the 92nd minute, unleashing a powerful long-range strike into the top corner to give Madrid a 3-2 lead.
The late goal sparked celebrations among the visiting players and supporters, as the Spanish side completed another remarkable European comeback.
AEK’s frustration increased in stoppage time when Koita was shown a red card, leaving the hosts to finish the encounter with 10 men.
The victory means Real Madrid maintained their 100 per cent record in the Champions League league phase, recording four wins from four matches to move to 12 points.
They remained second behind Paris Saint-Germain on goal difference, while AEK Athens were left with three points from their opening four matches.
Madrid’s victory also extended their winning run across all competitions to seven matches, further strengthening their position ahead of the next stage of the European campaign.
Full-time result:
AEK Athens 2–3 Real Madrid.
Goals:
Aboubakary Koita (12′) – AEK Athens
Jude Bellingham (32′) – Real Madrid
Stavros Pilios (75′) – AEK Athens
Kylian Mbappe (78′) – Real Madrid
Federico Valverde (92′) – Real Madrid
Venue: Allwyn Arena, Athens, Greece..