Valverde scores stoppage-time winner as Madrid avoid upset in Athens
Federico Valverde scored a superb stoppage-time winner as Real Madrid avoided an upset at AEK Athens to maintain their 100% record in this season's Champions League.
In a dramatic turn of events, Real Madrid secured a victory over AEK Athens in the Champions League, despite trailing at the end of regulation time. Federico Valverde sealed the match with a remarkable stoppage-time goal, ensuring the visitors maintained their perfect record in the league phase. Early in the game, Aboubakary Koita put AEK Athens ahead with a powerful finish.
Jude Bellingham then turned the tables for Real Madrid in the 32nd minute, displaying exceptional skill to score the opening goal. This achievement made Bellingham the youngest player ever to score in seven consecutive Champions League seasons. However, AEK Athens fought back and equalized 15 minutes later through Stavros Pilios.
The match seemed to be slipping out of Real Madrid's grasp until Mbappe equalized three minutes after Pilios's goal. Valverde's dramatic late strike then turned the tables, completing a thrilling comeback win for Real Madrid. The match ended with Koita being sent off by the referee as the frustration of the result boiled over for the hosts.
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