Jude Bellingham finally opened his account in the UEFA Champions League 2026-27 season with a sensational backheel finish as Real Madrid registered a thrilling 3-2 victory over AEK Athens on Wednesday,
November 4.
The Real Madrid midfielder produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 32nd minute, scoring a stunning equaliser after AEK Athens had taken an early lead. Bellingham’s goal came from a brilliant cross by Marc Cucurella, with the England international showing remarkable instinct to guide the ball past goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli with a first-time backheel finish.
It was Bellingham’s first goal in the Champions League this season and another reminder of his quality in Europe’s premier club competition.
Jude Bellingham reaches Champions League milestone
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The goal was particularly special for Bellingham, who achieved a significant milestone by making his 60th appearance in the UEFA Champions League.
At 23 years and 128 days, the English midfielder became the youngest player in the competition’s history to reach 60 appearances, surpassing former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Bellingham also earned the Player of the Match award for his influential performance against the Greek outfit.
His contribution was crucial as Real Madrid had to fight back twice to secure all three points away from home. AEK Athens opened the scoring through Aboubakary Koita in the 12th minute before Bellingham restored parity.
The hosts regained their advantage in the 75th minute through Stavros Pilios, but Real Madrid responded almost immediately. Kylian Mbappe scored the equaliser in the 78th minute to make it 2-2.
Federico Valverde then completed the comeback with a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the 92nd minute, handing Real Madrid a 3-2 victory.
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Jose Mourinho praises Jude Bellingham
Bellingham’s performance also earned high praise from AEK Athens manager Jose Mourinho, who described the midfielder as an extraordinary and complete footballer.
The Portuguese manager highlighted Bellingham’s work rate, leadership, ambition, technical quality and ability to contribute goals.
The victory helped Real Madrid maintain their perfect record in the Champions League league phase, while Bellingham’s first European goal of the season provided another major talking point from an entertaining night in Athens.
