Real Madrid Stun AEK Athens With Last-Gasp Winner in Five-Goal Thriller

04 Nov 2026, 20:27 by Bill Giannopoulos · Greek City Times

Real Madrid 3-2 AEK Athens

Real Madrid produced another dramatic Champions League comeback, scoring in stoppage time to defeat AEK Athens 3-2 at the OPAP Arena in Athens on Wednesday night.

Federico Valverde struck the decisive goal in the second minute of added time, breaking Greek hearts after AEK had twice taken the lead against the Spanish giants.

AEK made a flying start, with Aboubakary Koita opening the scoring in the 12th minute to send the home supporters into celebration.

Real Madrid responded through Jude Bellingham, who produced a stylish equaliser in the 32nd minute to bring the visitors back into the contest.

The Greek side refused to back down, however, and regained the advantage with 15 minutes remaining when Stavros Pilios found the net to make it 2-1.

But AEK’s lead lasted less than three minutes. Kylian Mbappé restored parity for Real Madrid, setting up a dramatic finish.

With the match seemingly heading towards a draw, Real Madrid captain Valverde delivered the decisive blow in the 92nd minute, completing the comeback and securing all three points for the visitors.

Bellingham makes Champions League history

Despite the defeat, the night was also a landmark occasion for Bellingham.

At 23 years and 128 days old, the England international became the youngest player in Champions League history to reach 60 appearances in the competition, surpassing former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who achieved the milestone at 23 years and 167 days in 2004.

Bellingham also became the youngest player to score in seven consecutive Champions League seasons, breaking the previous record held by Mbappé, who achieved the feat at 23 years and 260 days during the 2022-23 campaign.

Champions League standings

The victory maintained Real Madrid’s perfect record in the competition, leaving them on 12 points from four matches.

Paris Saint-Germain also have 12 points and remain ahead of the Spanish side on goal difference.

AEK Athens, meanwhile, remain on three points after four matches, having recorded one win and three defeats.

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