Federico Valverde rescued Real Madrid from a slip-up against AEK Athens, scoring a dramatic late winner to secure a hard-fought 3–2 Champions League victory.
José Mourinho’s side endured a difficult trip to Greece on Matchday 4 of the league phase before the Uruguayan settled the contest on his return from a muscular problem.
The hosts made a strong start and took the lead through Aboubakary Koita in the 12th minute, but Jude Bellingham brought Madrid level in the 32nd.
Madrid were in trouble again when Stavros Pilios restored AEK’s lead in the 75th minute. Kylian Mbappé responded swiftly with an equaliser in the 78th, leaving the contest finely balanced heading into the closing stages.
In the second minute of stoppage time, Valverde unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike from a Brahim Díaz pass, securing victory for Madrid and denying the Greek side a point that had been within reach.
Valverde had started on the bench before Mourinho introduced him for Yan Diomande in the 67th minute. He ultimately delivered the decisive contribution on an evening when Madrid had come close to dropping points.
His return followed a precautionary absence against Racing Santander after experiencing discomfort in his right hamstring during the Clásico against Barcelona on 25 October. That problem forced him off in the 62nd minute, before he resumed full training this week.
Real Madrid now have 12 points from four victories and sit provisionally second, behind Paris Saint-Germain on goal difference. AEK Athens remain on three points in 30th place.
Madrid host PSV Eindhoven on 24 November on Matchday 5, seeking to maintain their perfect record and strengthen their position among the top eight teams, who qualify directly for the round of 16.
