AEK Athens v Real Madrid
Match Timeline & MomentumMomentumThis graph shows how much pressure a team applied during the match. Taller columns indicate stronger attacking periods, based on things like possession, shots, goals, big chances, and other key stats.
Commentary
Real Madrid just don't know when they're beaten, coming from behind twice to edge past AEK Athens 3-2 courtesy of a dramatic late winner from Valverde. Koita opened the scoring after just 12 minutes, brilliantly thumping a left-footed finish beyond Courtois to hand the hosts a dream start. Bellingham restored parity shortly after the half-hour mark, producing an inventive flicked finish into the bottom-right corner to ensure the sides went into the break level. Both teams emerged for the second half with plenty of intent, although Madrid gradually tightened their grip on proceedings, reflected by a commanding 3.35 xG compared to AEK's 0.87. Yet it was the Greek champions who struck next, with Koita once again at the heart of the move as he slipped in Pilios, who slid a composed finish underneath Courtois to put a famous result within touching distance. The lead lasted only a matter of minutes, however, as Mbappe punished some slack defending to score in a sixth consecutive Champions League appearance and drag Los Blancos level once more. Then came the decisive moment. With the final seconds ticking away and AEK seemingly destined for a hard-earned point, substitute Valverde stepped up to deliver a moment of magic, unleashing a belting long-range strike that flew beyond Brignoli and into the back of the net to spark jubilation among the visiting players. It was a cruel end for Nikolic's side, who produced a spirited display and showed they are more than capable of challenging for a place in the top 24, but ultimately came up just short against one of Europe's most ruthless teams. As for Madrid, they move level with PSG on maximum points after four league phase matches and now turn their attention to a LaLiga meeting with Valencia. That's all from us here – until next time, goodbye!

RED CARD! Koita completely loses his head after the final whistle. The AEK goalscorer is repeatedly instructed to move away from the referee, but refuses to heed the warnings and continues his protests. The official's patience eventually runs out, and a red card is shown.
FULL-TIME: AEK ATHENS 2-3 REAL MADRID
Diaz claims the assist, but it's all about Valverde who comes off the bench to deliver the goods.

GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLL!!!! INEVITABLE! MADRID BREAK AEK HEARTS! 3-2 AT THE DEATH! After piling on the pressure with time running out, Los Blancos complete yet another comeback, and it's their captain who delivers the decisive blow in spectacular fashion. Valverde takes aim from distance and unleashes an unstoppable right-footed thunderbolt that arrows towards the right-hand side of the goal, fading away from the despairing Brignoli all the way. The net nearly rips as the strike crashes home, and the Uruguayan is immediately swarmed by his teammates. AEK were on the brink of a famous result, but Madrid have ripped it away from them in the dying moments.
We're into four minutes of added time at the conclusion of a quite brilliant Champions League encounter.
Shot Map
Team Stats
0.86
Expected Goals
3.35
30%
Possession
70%
5 (56%)
Shots on Goal
8 (33%)
3
Big Chances Created
2
0
Corners Won
7
233 (85%)
Accurate Passes
580 (92%)
56
Duels Won
51
5
Saves
3
9
Fouls Committed
16





