Valverde's late strike earns Real Madrid comeback win at Athens

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 04:32 · Archive

Federico Valverde scored in the 92nd minute to secure Real Madrid a 3-2 comeback victory at AEK Athens in the Champions League.

Real Madrid came from behind twice to beat AEK Athens 3-2 in the Champions League on Wednesday, preserving their unbeaten start to the group phase. Federico Valverde's long-range strike in the 92nd minute secured the victory at the Allwyn Arena.

Aboubakary Koïta sent AEK ahead after 12 minutes, but Jude Bellingham equalised with a back-heel finish. Stavros Pilios restored the hosts' lead with 15 minutes remaining, only for Kylian Mbappé to level the match three minutes later. Mbappé then struck the bar before Valverde claimed the winner.

Madrid manager José Mourinho told Movistar that he preferred to win more comfortably. "We won the first game in the last minute. Of course, I prefer to win more comfortably, but these games in the final minutes — only we can win them," he said. He added that the team had the quality and courage to secure victories in tight contests.

The victory extended Madrid's winning streak to seven games across all competitions. According to France 24, the result inflicted a third successive loss on AEK Athens. The report notes that Mbappé then struck the bar before Valverde's dramatic winner.

The match capped a dramatic night in the Champions League, as Liverpool's unbeaten record in the competition ended with a surprise 3-2 defeat at Fenerbahce, according to France 24.

How it is being reported

• Champions League: Real Madrid seal late comeback as Liverpool lose to FenerbahceReal Madrid maintained their perfect Champions League record as Federico Valverde’s stoppage-time strike secured a 3-2 comeback win at AEK Athens on Wednesday. Madrid twice trailed before Valverde scored from long range in the 92nd minute. Liverpool’s winning start ended with a surprise 3-2 defeat at Fenerbahce in the competition.France 24 · 4 Nov, 22:17
• Valverde stunner earns Real Madrid late win at AEK AthensReal Madrid continue their 100% start to their Champions League campaign with another late win, this time through captain Federico Valverde to inflict Athens' third loss in a row.BBC Sport · 4 Nov, 22:04
• Valverde’s late winner breaks AEK Athens hearts as Real Madrid twice come from behindFederico Valverde lashed home a stunning effort from distance to snatch Real Madrid a late 3-2 victory at AEK Athens on Wednesday in the Champions League and preserve their 100% start in the group phase. José Mourinho’s side twice came from behind against the Greek champions before Valverde claimed all three points for his side. Continue reading...Guardian Football · 4 Nov, 20:04

In this story: Real Madrid · AEK Athens · Federico Valverde · Jude Bellingham · Kylian Mbappé · José Mourinho · Athens

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log