Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde shared their reactions following Real Madrid’s dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory over AEK Athens, where both midfielders played key roles in another remarkable European comeback.
Bellingham earned Man of the Match honors by netting the equalizer in the 32nd minute, while Valverde clinched the win with a goal in the 92nd minute, helping the club maintain its perfect record in the league phase.
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Real Madrid faced challenges after falling behind twice in Athens, with Aboubakary Koita and Stavros Pilios scoring for the hosts at different points during the match.
Kylian Mbappe provided a crucial equalizer following Pilios’ goal before Valverde delivered the decisive strike with a stunning long-range effort.
After the match, Bellingham and Valverde praised the team’s resilience, the contributions from the coaching staff, and the shared belief that fuels Madrid’s late-game comebacks.
Bellingham Reflects on His Goal and Another Comeback
Bellingham played a vital role in Real Madrid’s reaction after AEK gained an early lead.
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The England international leveled the score in the 32nd minute with a finish assisted by Marc Cucurella, providing his team with renewed momentum.
Recognized as Man of the Match, the midfielder noted the match’s challenges and the effort required for the victory.
“A very difficult match. We’ve worked hard to win this, coming from behind twice. A very important victory on our journey in this season’s Champions League.”
Jude Bellingham was on the scoresheet against AEK Athens. (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)
Bellingham also emphasized that the mentality behind such victories must be consistent, not just relied upon in difficult moments.
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“Another comeback, but that’s the Real Madrid mentality – and the mentality we need to maintain for the rest of the season.”
“We’re heading to Valencia raring to go, and hopefully we’ll win because the next match is the most important one.”
He described the instinct behind his goal, giving credit to the assist that made it possible.
“It was instinct and a bit of quality. It was a great pass from Marc (Cucurella).”
Valverde’s remarkable contribution also drew attention, with Bellingham acknowledging that his teammate’s spectacular winning goal was even better than his own.
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“Much better than mine. It’s no surprise that Fede shoots like that, but it was a very important goal for us, and you could see that in the team’s reaction. We’re very happy with the three points.”
Valverde Credits Coaching Staff for Late Goals
While Bellingham sparked the comeback, Valverde emerged as the evening’s hero.
Valverde scored a stunning last-minute winner against AEK. (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)
Substituted in at the 67th minute, the Uruguayan midfielder took only 25 minutes to contribute the decisive goal.
His 92nd-minute strike from outside the box, assisted by Brahim Diaz, sealed the comeback for Madrid.
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Discussing Madrid’s ability to score decisive late goals, Valverde credited the coaching staff and the team’s unwavering belief in each other.
“That’s down to the coaching staff and also to us, for continuing to trust each and every one of our teammates. The coaching staff trust us and always give us that boost, that energy from the bench.
“It’s always a pleasure for us to play for them. That’s evident in the closing minutes. The team never stops trying.
“After they scored their second goal, it looked like we were going to struggle, but the team fought back again.”
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In response to inquiries about his remarkable winning goal and the confidence needed to attempt such a shot at the end of the match, he added:
“Sometimes I think about it a lot. As I always say, I’m grateful to my teammates, who are the ones who give me the confidence to take the shot. I thank them all for their support,” he concluded.
