Valverde’s late strike secures Real Madrid comeback against AEK Athens

Substitute captain Federico Valverde scored in stoppage time as Real Madrid overcame two deficits to defeat AEK Athens 3-2. This result preserves the team’s flawless league phase record under Mourinho, exceeding his specified qualification threshold, just prior to their upcoming match against Valencia without Vinícius.

Arriving from the bench in Athens, Federico Valverde resolved a contest where Real Madrid had fallen behind on two occasions. His powerful long-range shot was registered in the second minute of added time, marking another away comeback during this Champions League season. Following four matchdays, Mourinho’s squad remains undefeated.

AEK established an early lead when Koita scored to put the hosts ahead in the 12th minute. Bellingham saw a goal disallowed for offside after a video review just before the half-hour mark. He quickly found redemption, equalizing in the 32nd minute by converting a backheel from Cucurella’s cross.

AEK reclaimed the lead with 15 minutes remaining in normal time. Stavros Pilios capitalized on a pass from Koita, directing the ball through Courtois’s legs. Madrid responded swiftly, within three minutes; Denzel Dumfries delivered a low cross across the goal, allowing Mbappé to restore parity at 2-2.

The evening concluded with trouble for Koita. The AEK opener was shown a red card at 90+5, post-final whistle, after he persisted in protesting decisions despite receiving multiple cautions.

Valverde decides the game after a hamstring scare

The decisive goal held greater significance due to Valverde’s recent physical issues. He experienced significant discomfort in his right hamstring during the 23rd minute of the 2-1 Clásico victory at Camp Nou. Mourinho noted post-match that Valverde had competed for over 40 minutes while injured. Despite starting on the bench in Athens, he remained the match’s deciding figure.

Madrid’s European campaign record now stands at four victories from four attempts. They secured a 2-1 home win against Inter, overturned a deficit to win 4-3 away at Roma, and claimed a 4-1 home victory over Leipzig prior to this visit. Accumulating 12 points, they have surpassed the 11–12 point benchmark Mourinho established as the qualification target. The subsequent goal is securing a top-eight position.

A distinct pattern is emerging. Both victories against Roma and AEK occurred after Madrid conceded the lead in away fixtures. In Athens, the team was required to mount a response on two separate instances.

Madrid head to Mestalla still without the suspended Vinícius

Focus now shifts to LaLiga, where Madrid continue to be without Vinícius. On 16 October, the RFEF Appeals Committee dismissed the club’s appeal and confirmed his suspension. Two of the infractions involved pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair during the match against Villarreal. The remaining two were for confronting the referee after the game.

The ban applied to league fixtures against Sevilla, Barcelona, and Racing. The final match of the four-match suspension takes place at Valencia’s Mestalla on 7 November, occurring three days after the Athens victory.

European competition resumes next. Madrid will welcome PSV on Tuesday 24 November at 9pm CET. Following that, they will make a trip to face Arsenal on Wednesday 9 December.

Sources

• A thunderous strike from Valverde seals the comeback in Athens (Real Madrid)
• 2026/27 Champions League: All the league phase fixtures and results (UEFA)
• AEK Athens 2-3 Real Madrid (Nov 4, 2026) Game Analysis (ESPN)
• Mourinho desvela su mensaje a Fede Valverde y pone nota al partido de Vinícius (ElDesmarque)