Real Madrid player ratings vs AEK Athens: Federico Valverde produces late thunderbolt to secure dramatic comeback
Real Madrid rallied twice before Valverde’s 92nd-minute strike sealed a 3-2 comeback and kept their perfect European record intact.
- On Wednesday, Real Madrid secured a 3-2 victory over AEK Athens, with Federico Valverde smashing a 27-metre strike in the 92nd minute to seal the win and preserve their perfect European record.
- Aboubakary Koita opened the scoring for AEK early, forcing Madrid into a heavy-possession game to break down a compact 4-4-2 block despite maintaining 70% possession throughout.
- Jude Bellingham scored an equaliser in the 32nd minute with a clinical finish, while Kylian Mbapp restored parity in the 78th minute after leading the match with 7 total shots.
- Manager Jose Mourinho executed a tactical reshuffle in the 81st minute, introducing fresh legs to exploit verticality gaps. Brahim Diaz provided the assist for Valverde's stoppage-time winner.
- The victory keeps Madrid top of the group with four wins from four, preserving their perfect European record and validating the aggressive, high-possession approach despite defensive inconsistencies.
115 Articles
115 Articles
Valverde blast snatches Real Madrid late win at AEK Athens
Jose Mourinho's side twice came from behind against the Greek champions before Valverde claimed all three points for his side, level with holders Paris Saint-Germain on four wins from four league phase games. Aboubakary Koita sent AEK ahead after 12 minutes and Jude Bellingham equalised with a sublime flick for the record 15-time winners. Stavros Pilios sent the Greek champions ahead with 15 minutes to go but Kylian Mbappe swiftly pulled Madrid …
A half-way shot by Federico Valverde gave the triumph to those led by José Mourinho.
Jude Bellingham scored in taco and Federico Valverde converted with a powerful finish from outside the area for the agonic triumph by 3-2
Real Madrid won a successful victory in Athens, in front of an AEK that completed a great work that, with rhythm and intensity, did not reach to enjoy a reward that would have been deserved. The whites were held by Courtois in the first half and after seeing two times below in the luminous, Valverde certified a comeback in the 92nd minute that must exercise a turning point, because the whites failed to impose control and showed themselves lackin…
Madrid achieved an agonizing triumph. Mourinho changed the team’s face again with his changes. Vinícius, a remora.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
