AEK Athens 2-3 Real Madrid: With Arda Guler out, these five players stepped up

November 4, 2026 Olaoluwa Nwobodo 0 Comments

Big teams are trying to finish in the top eight of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) League Phase, and it’s easy to see why. Avoiding the playoffs and qualifying straight for the Round of 16 means fewer games.

Since losing 2-1 to Atletico Madrid, Jose Mourinho’s men have now won eight games in a row.

With Arda Guler injured, Madrid were bound to struggle in this game. The youngster has shown that the team has a considerably easier time with him on the pitch, and Real Madrid definitely struggled without him.

The Galacticos went behind twice before finally finding a winner at the tail end of the game, with Federico Valverde scoring in the 92nd minute.

Here are five players who made the narrow win possible.

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid

Mbappe played his role brilliantly. He was a thorn in AEK Athens’ side, constantly finding space to shoot.

He took seven shots and, while he scored only once, he didn’t miss a big chance throughout the game. His goal was the second equaliser, giving his teammates hope that they could go on to win.

Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid

As always, Bellingham was key in all three thirds of the pitch. He won several important fouls for Madrid, giving Mourinho’s men set-piece opportunities in dangerous areas.

He won all six ground duels he attempted, and his passing was superb. His goal was the first equaliser, bringing the game level in the 32nd minute. The goal ensured the visitors did not remain behind for long, and it made him the youngest player to score in seven consecutive Champions League seasons since Mbappe.

Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid

You could say Madrid wouldn’t have won without Camavinga.

He was as good in possession as he was out of it. With 93% of his passes completed and four of six long balls finding their target, his distribution helped the team maintain some control in the centre of the pitch.

Yet, it was what he did off the ball that really pushed the visitors forward. He won seven of the nine tackles he attempted and contested a whopping 22 ground duels, with just two of them being offensive duels.

He didn’t score or assist, but his contribution created the platform for those who did.

Eder Militao

Militao was Real Madrid’s best defender on the night.

For one, he helped control the game with his passing, completing 96% of his attempts, including 50% of his long balls. His reading of the game was top-notch too, as he made a crucial interception, blocked two shots and won 80% of his ground duels.

Off the ball, in addition to winning his duels, he won possession back for his team with his tackles.

This was his first start since getting injured in April against Alaves. This performance will give Mourinho something to think about, and who knows, Militao might have just secured a starting spot going forward.

God knows the current centre-backs have left much to be desired.

Federico Valverde

Valverde will be remembered for his 92nd-minute winner, but his performance was about much more than that. He came on as a substitute for right winger Yan Diomande in the 67th minute, and the Real Madrid captain slotted in seamlessly.

He created the most chances for Madrid, and although he didn’t do much off the ball, his focus on the final third paid off when it mattered most.

Madrid needed this win to keep pace with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the top of the Champions League table.

Defensive problems are not going away

Mourinho’s Real Madrid side may be winning, but they have been far from convincing, especially defensively.

See why top managers like Mourinho always have solutions, even if they’re often inadequate

We have just entered November, and the Galacticos boss has already needed his team to come from behind three times. He has also needed two 90th-minute winners.

That said, it’s good to win games while sorting out problems. With four games left in the League Phase, Madrid are close to securing a last-16 spot.

Apart from PSG, the away side are the only team to have picked up as many as 12 points so far.