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Real Madrid maintained a perfect Champions League record with a 3-2 win over AEK Athens, while Liverpool suffered a 3-2 defeat to Fenerbahce in Istanbul.
Real Madrid maintained their perfect Champions League record on Wednesday with a 3-2 comeback victory against AEK Athens in Greece. Federico Valverde scored a stoppage-time goal in the 92nd minute at the Allwyn Arena to secure the win after the Spanish side had twice trailed.
AEK Athens took an early lead in the 12th minute when Aboubakary Koita scored from just inside the box. Real Madrid responded in the 32nd minute when Jude Bellingham equalized with a backheel finish from a Marc Cucurella cross. Bellingham, who was named player of the match, also became the youngest player to make 60 appearances in the Champions League at the age of 23 years, 128 days, overtaking former Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
AEK Athens regained the lead in the 75th minute through Stavros Pilios, who scored a low shot through the legs of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Real Madrid equalized three minutes later when Kylian Mbappé tapped in a cross from Denzel Dumfries. Mbappé's goal marked his 16th goal in 15 appearances this season and extended his scoring streak in the Champions League to six consecutive matches. The decisive goal came in the 92nd minute when Valverde unleashed a long-range strike to complete the 3-2 win.
Madrid coach Jose Mourinho told broadcaster Movistar, “We won the first game in the last minute. Of course, I prefer to win more comfortably, but these games in the final minutes — only we can win them,” and added, “The players have courage. I’m very lucky to have players of this quality. Very lucky.”
In Istanbul, Liverpool's 100% start to the competition ended with a 3-2 defeat to Fenerbahce at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium. Trey Nyoni opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 25th minute with a low volley. Fenerbahce responded four minutes later when Mason Greenwood equalized with a free-kick that deflected off Jeremy Jacquet.
Liverpool regained the lead in the 69th minute after Cody Gakpo assisted Alexander Isak, who scored with a close-range header. However, Archie Brown equalized for Fenerbahce in the 73rd minute following a defensive lapse. Vedat Muriqi scored the winning goal for Fenerbahce in the 79th minute, heading the ball past Alisson after receiving a long throw.
Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola attributed the loss to defensive struggles, stating, “The main reason I can find for why we lost this game is we conceded from three set pieces,” and noted, “We knew it was one of the strengths of Fenerbahce. We concede from a free-kick, a corner and even from the long throw at the end.”
Real Madrid's victory keeps them at the top of the league-phase standings with 12 points from four matches, trailing only Paris Saint-Germain on goal difference. Fenerbahce's win earned them their first victory of the campaign, moving them to five points. Liverpool remains on nine points after three wins and one loss.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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