AEK Athens 2-3 Real Madrid: Koita 12, Pilios 75; Bellingham 32, Mbappe 78, Valverde 90+2
If there is one notable quality of Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid so far in this second coming, it is their ability to escape trouble right at the very end. Here again they were far from convincing against a modest AEK Athens side, but up stepped Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde to rescue matters late in the game.
The victory extends Madrid’s winning run to seven matches in all competitions, but forget the run, despite the litter of stars there is still quite a bit of stardust lacking in this Madrid side. AEK in fact had every reason to believe they could cause an upset. The Greek side twice took the lead and made life difficult for Madrid, who trudged through a good chunk of the game.
Aboubakary Koita put the hosts ahead after 12 minutes. Luka Jovic, a former Madrid striker, provided the pass and Koita made room before driving a low shot past Thibaut Courtois.
Madrid responded through Jude Bellingham, who produced a fine finish to level the contest. The England midfielder initially thought he had scored from a corner, but his effort was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.
He did not have to wait long for another chance. Marc Cucurella picked him out inside the area and Bellingham flicked the ball into the net with a clever backheel.
The goal made the midfielder the youngest player to reach 60 Champions League appearances. He also extended his record of scoring in seven consecutive seasons of the competition.
🫸 ¡VAMOS REAL! 🫷 https://t.co/VUjCh5P3RI
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) November 4, 2026
Madrid had chances to take the lead after the break. Cucurella was denied by a last-ditch tackle from Lazaros Rota, and Kylian Mbappe came close with a curling effort that narrowly missed the target.
AEK remained dangerous and regained the advantage with 15 minutes left. Koita played a pass into Stavros Pilios, who fired through Courtois’ legs to send the home crowd into celebration.
The lead lasted less than three minutes. Mbappe found space inside the penalty area and met Denzel Dumfries’ cross to bring Madrid level again.
The French forward nearly completed the comeback himself, but AEK goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli produced an excellent save to keep the hosts in the contest. He was helpless as Valverde thrashed the ball into the top corner though, and Madrid could celebrate.
