Real Madrid spent most of the night chasing the game, and it took a stoppage-time rocket to keep their perfect Champions League run intact. Real Madrid came from behind twice in Athens before Federico Valverde struck in the 92nd minute for a 3-2 win. Real Madrid AEK Athens turned into a thriller that the hosts will rue.
Real Madrid AEK Athens comeback built in two stages
AEK landed the first blow in the 12th minute. Aboubakary Koita finished after a lay-off from Luka Jovic, and the hosts celebrated an early lead. Jude Bellingham pulled Madrid level in the 32nd minute from a Marc Cucurella pass, so the sides went into the break at 1-1.
The second half belonged to the underdogs for long spells. Stavros Pilios put AEK back in front in the 75th minute on the counterattack, set up by Koita, and the home crowd sensed a major upset.
Madrid hit back within three minutes. Kylian Mbappe levelled in the 78th minute after a pass from Denzel Dumfries. Madrid kept pushing, and Valverde found space to fire home in the second minute of added time.
What Madrid’s perfect start means
The victory leaves Real Madrid unbeaten after four matches, with 12 points from a possible 12. It was not a polished performance, yet this is a side that has a habit of finding a way when the game looks lost.
AEK deserve credit for a brave display and made the visitors work for every chance. Their finishing on the counter caused Madrid real problems, and the Real Madrid AEK Athens scoreline does not flatter the visitors. The hosts ran at them in transition and twice took the lead in front of a loud home crowd.
For Madrid, the next job is tidying up the slow starts before the league phase runs its course. The official league phase results show what lies ahead, and a perfect record now carries a target.
