Federico Valverde fired a 27-metre strike in the second minute of stoppage time to seal Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over AEK Athens, a winner that came after the Spanish side trailed twice and controlled 70% of possession without converting dominance into defensive security, goal.com reported. The Uruguayan’s 92nd-minute thunderbolt extended Madrid’s perfect league-phase start to four wins from four.
AEK Athens took an early lead through Aboubakary Koita, forcing José Mourinho’s side into a possession-heavy approach against a compact 4-4-2 block. Jude Bellingham equalised in the 32nd minute, but Stavros Pilios restored the Greek side’s advantage in the 75th minute before Kylian Mbappé drew Madrid level at 78 minutes.
Valverde’s Late Introduction Changes the Game in Athens
Mourinho introduced Valverde in the 67th minute, and the midfielder scored the decisive goal from 27 metres in stoppage time after Brahim Díaz provided the assist. Yahoo Sports’ report of the match credited Valverde with completely changing the tempo during his 25 minutes on the pitch, culminating in the long-range strike that secured all three points.
The victory maintained Madrid’s flawless European record despite the chaotic nature of the second half, which saw both teams exchange leads before the late drama.
Camavinga Wins 12 Duels as Midfield Engine Dominates Possession
Eduardo Camavinga was the primary reason Madrid maintained 70% possession, winning 12 duels and recording seven successful tackles, according to goal.com’s player ratings. His ability to extinguish pressure in the middle third allowed the creative players to remain high up the pitch.
Antonio Rüdiger completed 75 of 77 attempted passes for a 97% accuracy rate, anchoring the defensive distribution, while Thibaut Courtois faced five shots on target and conceded twice from an expected goals against of 0.87.
Mbappé’s High-Volume Performance Sets Up Late Drama
Kylian Mbappé led the match with seven total shots and an expected goals tally of 1.36 before scoring the 78th-minute equaliser. Denzel Dumfries set up Mbappé’s goal with a precise delivery from the right flank but missed a close-range chance himself in the 80th minute.
Madrid Extend Perfect League-Phase Record to Four Wins
The result leaves Real Madrid top of the league phase with four wins from four matches. AEK’s verticality troubled Madrid’s high defensive line throughout, with Éder Militão’s positioning questioned during the fast break that led to Pilios’ goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the winning goal for Real Madrid against AEK Athens?
Federico Valverde scored the winner in the 92nd minute with a 27-metre strike, according to goal.com and Yahoo Sports.
When did Real Madrid equalise against AEK Athens?
Kylian Mbappé equalised in the 78th minute, three minutes after AEK’s Stavros Pilios had put the hosts ahead.
How many wins does Real Madrid have in the league phase?
Real Madrid have four wins from four matches in the league phase following the 3-2 victory in Athens.
The comeback marked Madrid’s fourth win in the competition.
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