Valverde rescues Real Madrid with stoppage-time winner against AEK
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineReal Madrid scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to defeat AEK Athens 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, with Federico Valverde striking in the 92nd minute to complete a remarkable comeback.
The Spanish giants twice came from behind to end AEK’s seven-match unbeaten home run across all competitions and maintain their perfect start to this season’s Champions League campaign.
AEK began confidently against the 15-time European champions and threatened early through Mijat Gacinovic, whose low effort was kept out by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
The hosts eventually took the lead when Aboubakary Koita cut inside onto his left foot before unleashing a powerful effort past Courtois at the near post.
Former Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic almost doubled AEK’s advantage, but Courtois produced another save to keep the visitors in the contest.
Madrid thought they had equalised when Jude Bellingham diverted Vinicius Junior’s effort into the net following a partially cleared corner, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside.
However, Bellingham eventually restored parity with a clever finish from a cross into the penalty area, marking his 60th Champions League appearance with a goal.
Madrid took control after the restart and almost moved ahead when Lazaros Rota produced an important block to deny Marc Cucurella following Kylian Mbappe’s delivery.
Mbappe also came close with two attempts from outside the penalty area, but AEK goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli kept the French forward at bay.
Despite facing sustained pressure, the Greek side remained dangerous and regained the lead 15 minutes from time.
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Stavros Pilios, who had also scored against Manchester City on matchday three, advanced from full-back before converting Koita’s cutback to make it 2-1.
Madrid responded almost immediately, with Mbappe arriving at the far post to convert Denzel Dumfries’ delivery and score for the sixth consecutive Champions League appearance.
The visitors continued pushing for a winner, with Brignoli producing an important save to divert Mbappe’s effort onto the crossbar.
However, AEK’s resistance finally ended in the second minute of stoppage time when Valverde unleashed a powerful strike from about 25 yards, finding the corner to complete Madrid’s comeback.
The hosts’ difficult evening was compounded when Koita received a late red card for dissent.
The victory extended Madrid’s winning run in the Champions League to four matches this season, while also ending AEK’s impressive sequence of seven consecutive home victories.
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