Overview
- AEK Athens took an early lead through Koïta and later went 2-1 up when Pilios scored from a counter, setting a hostile tone at the Allwyn Arena for the visitors.
- Jude Bellingham drew Real Madrid level before half‑time with a creative back‑heel finish that revived the team’s momentum.
- Kylian Mbappé restored parity late in the second half after Mourinho introduced substitutes to change the game’s rhythm.
- Federico Valverde, who began the match on the bench by Mourinho’s rotation plan, came on and scored the 92nd‑minute winner to complete the 3-2 comeback.
- The victory keeps Madrid perfect in the Champions League group, highlights Mourinho’s minutes management for players such as Arda Güler and Aurélien Tchouaméni, and raises questions about defensive lapses the coach must fix as fixtures pile up.