# Valverde’s late winner breaks AEK Athens hearts

> Real Madrid’s Valverde scores 90th-minute winner to secure 3-2 Champions League win over AEK Athens.
- Title: Valverde’s late winner breaks AEK Athens hearts · the Guardian
- Summary: Real Madrid’s Valverde scores 90th-minute winner to secure 3-2 Champions League win over AEK Athens. Real Madrid clinched a 3-2 Champions League victory over…
- Keywords: federico valverde, real madrid, aek athens, champions league, kylian mbappe, jude bellingsham, champions league group phase, the Guardian
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/nov/04/champions-league-roundup-aek-athens-real-madrid-borussia-dortmund-napoli
- Author: AFP
- Published: 2026-11-04T20:04:07+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: federico valverde, real madrid, aek athens, champions league, kylian mbappe, jude bellingsham, champions league group phase, sports
## Real Madrid’s late winner
Federico Valverde scored a stunning 90th-minute goal to secure a 3-2 Champions League victory over AEK Athens.

> Federico Valverde lashed home a stunning effort from distance to snatch Real Madrid a late 3-2 victory at AEK Athens on Wednesday in the Champions League and preserve their 100% start in the group phase
## Madrid twice come from behind
Real Madrid overcame two setbacks to win 3-2 against AEK Athens in Champions League group phase.

> José Mourinho’s side twice came from behind against the Greek champions before Valverde claimed all three points for his side
## AEK Athens take early lead
AEK Athens scored first after 12 minutes with Aboubakary Koïta’s goal.

> Aboubakary Koïta sent AEK ahead after 12 minutes before Jude Bellingham equalised with a sublime flick for the record 15-time winners
## Madrid equalise late
Kylian Mbappé scored to make it 2-2 before AEK reclaimed lead.

> Stavros Pilios sent the Greek champions ahead with 15 minutes to go but Kylian Mbappé swiftly pulled Madrid level once again, setting the stage for Valverde’s late winner
## Key takeaway

Real Madrid clinched a 3-2 Champions League victory over AEK Athens with a late goal from Federico Valverde, preserving their perfect group stage record.