Real Madrid Edges AEK Athens 3-2 on Valverde Stoppage-Time Winner

Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 away victory against AEK Athens in the Champions League, maintaining a flawless record of four wins from four matches. Despite trailing twice during the match, Carlo Ancelotti's side demonstrated their trademark resilience, capped by a stunning stoppage-time winner from Federico Valverde.

Spanish media lauded the reigning champions' fighting spirit, with the sports daily As running the headline "The Eternal Resurrection." Valverde secured the three points in added time with a powerful strike into the top corner, his second goal of the campaign, both coming in Europe's premier club competition. Speaking to Movistar after the final whistle, the Uruguayan midfielder acknowledged the hard-fought nature of the encounter, praising the squad's relentless persistence and tactical discipline.

Jude Bellingham delivered a standout performance, earning Man of the Match honors. The English midfielder scored a brilliant backheel goal, orchestrated the build-up for the equalizer, and completed 92 percent of his passes during 85 minutes on the pitch. Spanish analysts highlighted Bellingham as the creative catalyst who repeatedly pierced the Greek side's defensive block.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also emphasized the club's enduring DNA following the comeback win. Courtois noted that the squad expected a high-intensity battle in Greece and praised his teammates for maintaining composure after falling behind early. Meanwhile, the fixture marked a personal milestone for AEK Athens manager Jose Mourinho, who recorded his 87th Champions League victory, surpassing Arsene Wenger to claim fourth place all-time among managers in the tournament's history.