Real Madrid Overcomes AEK Athens in Champions League Thriller

Real Madrid extended its winning streak in all competitions to seven matches on the fourth matchday of the UEFA Champions League group phase, overcoming a resilient AEK Athens squad with a 3-2 victory in the Greek capital. Under the guidance of manager José Mourinho, the Spanish powerhouse relied on a late goal in stoppage time to avoid an upset against a home side that held the lead twice during the intense encounter.

The match began with early pressure from the Greek team, managed by Serbian coach Marko Nikolić, which featured a starting lineup including Mijat Gaćinović and former Real Madrid striker Luka Jović. Just five minutes into the game, Jović tested Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a sharp shot that was initially blocked. Shortly after, in the 12th minute, Jović delivered a precise pass to Aboubakary Koita, who slotted the ball past Courtois to give the home team a surprising 1-0 advantage.

Real Madrid attempted to respond swiftly, and midfielder Jude Bellingham appeared to equalize in the 28th minute, but the goal was overturned by the video assistant referee due to an offside position involving Vinicius Junior. However, Bellingham officially leveled the score four minutes later, expertly redirecting a cross from Marc Cucurella with his heel into the right corner of the net.

The second half continued at a high pace, with both sides trading blows. AEK reclaimed the lead in the 75th minute when Koita set up Stavros Pilos, who beat Courtois to ignite celebrations among the home supporters in Athens. The joy proved short-lived, as French star Kylian Mbappé equalized just three minutes later, finishing an assist from Denzel Dumfries to make it 2-2.

As the match neared its conclusion, Mbappé hit the crossbar and Madrid pressed heavily for a winner. The decisive moment arrived in the second minute of stoppage time when substitute Brahim Díaz provided an assist to Federico Valverde, who fired a powerful strike into the right corner to secure all three points for the visitors. Following the final whistle, Koita received a red card for unsportsmanlike behavior.

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances throughout the second half through players like Mbappé and Cucurella, Real Madrid had to work hard to break down a well-organized AEK side. The Greek team ultimately fell short of securing what would have been a historic result, leaving Nikolic's squad empty-handed despite leading deep into the second period.

In another notable Champions League fixture, Liverpool suffered its first defeat of the European campaign, losing 3-2 to Fenerbahçe in Istanbul. Despite taking the lead twice through Trey Nyoni and Alexander Isak, the English side conceded goals to Mason Greenwood, Archie Brown, and a late winner from Vedat Muriqi, leaving the Premier League side stunned in Turkey.