Second minute of added time. Real Madrid heaved a sigh of relief as Federico Valverde’s long-range shot found the back of the net. Despite falling behind twice, the Spanish giants eventually emerged with a 3-2 win. Jose Mourinho’s side also maintained their 100% Champions League record by beating hosts AEK Athens, Greece.
AEK put Real Madrid under pressure early on Wednesday night. The hosts took the lead in the first half through a goal from Abubakari Koeta. However, Real equalised before the break through a brilliant backheel flick from Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder scored the goal from a long ball from Kukurella.
Both teams stepped up their attacks in the second half. Stavros Pilios put AEK ahead again in the 75th minute. But Kylian Mbappe equalized three minutes later. The French star headed home Denzel Dumfries’ cross from close range.
Then a shot from Mbappe hit the crossbar, and it looked like the match would end in a draw, but Valverde sealed the victory for Real with a superb long-range shot in the second minute of added time.
With this victory, Real Madrid is in second place in the Champions League points table with 12 points from four matches. PSG is at the top with the same points and is ahead on goal difference. Such a last-minute victory once again showed how difficult it is to beat Real Madrid before the final whistle on the European stage.
