Dumfries assists Mbappé as Real Madrid complete late comeback at AEK

Denzel Dumfries supplied a crucial assist as Real Madrid recovered to beat AEK Athens 3-2 in the Champions League. José Mourinho’s side trailed with three minutes of normal time remaining before Kylian Mbappé equalised and Federico Valverde struck the winner in stoppage time.

AEK took a surprise lead shortly after the ten-minute mark. Aboubakary Koita got past Marc Cucurella before beating Thibaut Courtois with a placed finish. Cucurella responded around 20 minutes later by setting up Jude Bellingham, who restored parity with a backheel.

The Greek side moved ahead again with approximately 15 minutes left when Stavro Pilo finished from close range through Courtois’ legs. Real answered three minutes later: Dumfries delivered a low cross for Mbappé, who converted to make it 2-2. Valverde then completed the turnaround with a powerful effort during added time.

Dumfries was making his first start in five matches after featuring only once as a substitute across Real’s previous four games. The Netherlands international immediately demonstrated his value with the assist. Real remain perfect after four Champions League fixtures, following earlier victories over Internazionale, AS Roma and RB Leipzig. Paris Saint-Germain also have 12 points but sit above Real on goal difference.