Federico Valverde scored a stunning injury-time winner as Real Madrid came from behind twice to beat AEK Athens 3-2 in a thrilling UEFA Champions League match in Greece on Thursday.
The Spanish giants looked set to drop points after falling behind in the second half. However, Kylian Mbappe brought them level before Valverde struck in the 92nd minute to secure their fourth straight victory in the competition.
The win took Madrid to 12 points from four matches, keeping their perfect record in the Champions League intact.
AEK Athens made a bright start at the ALLWYN Arena and took the lead in the 12th minute. Former Madrid striker Luka Jovic set up Aboubakary Koita, who found the net to give the home side an early advantage.
Madrid responded by pushing forward and eventually found their equaliser in the 32nd minute. Jude Bellingham scored after receiving a pass from Marc Cucurella, bringing the visitors back into the contest.
Neither side could find another goal before the break as the teams went into half-time level at 1-1.
The second half saw both teams create chances, but AEK regained the lead in the 75th minute. Koita led a quick counterattack and set up Stavros Pilios, who finished with his left foot from inside the penalty area.
Then, Madrid needed just three minutes to respond. In the 78th minute, Denzel Dumfries provided the assist for Mbappe, who scored from close range with a right-footed finish into the bottom left corner.
Madrid continued to press for a winner as the match entered its closing stages. Mbappe forced a save from AEK goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli in the 86th minute, while Brahim Diaz missed a chance shortly afterwards.
The visitors finally completed their comeback in the second minute of added time.
Diaz found Valverde outside the penalty area, and the Uruguayan midfielder fired a powerful right-footed shot into the top right corner to give Madrid a dramatic 3-2 lead.
There was further drama in the final moments when AEK’s Koita received a red card in the fifth minute of added time.
Madrid held on to secure all three points and continue their impressive European campaign.
They had previously beaten Inter Milan, Roma and RB Leipzig in their opening three matches. Wednesday’s victory extended their winning run to four games.
Madrid will next host PSV Eindhoven at the Santiago Bernabeu on November 25.
