Real Madrid finally ended their curse against AEK Athens.
They did so after having to come from behind twice and with Jude Bellingham continuing to break records for the Spanish giants. José Mourinho's side are now increasingly close to securing their first place in the Round of 16 since the competition was restructured and without having to go through the playoffs.
Real Madrid defeated AEK Athens on matchday four of the UEFA Champions League league phase. Los Blancos secured a 3-2 victory on Greek soil after having to overturn the scoreline twice. Jude Bellingham scored the team's first goal, continuing a run of form in which Real Madrid have won every match since their comeback victory in Rome. They are now just one step away from qualifying for the Round of 16. The Englishman continues to make history.
José Mourinho once again selected him as the link between Real Madrid's attack and midfield. Thanks to his appearance in the match, Jude Bellingham became the youngest player in UEFA Champions League history to reach 60 official appearances in the competition. He surpassed another legendary figure from the Spanish capital's club, Iker Casillas, who achieved the milestone at the beginning of the 21st century. The Englishman is enjoying one of his best seasons at the Santiago Bernabéu.
He has also been delivering some hugely important goals. Another arrived last night in a match where Real Madrid were struggling in Greece. Following a cross from Marc Cucurella, Bellingham connected with a backheel finish to make it 1-1. It was an outstanding piece of technical skill that helped turn the match around and set Real Madrid on their way to a fourth consecutive victory in the Champions League league phase. The Englishman has also become the fastest Real Madrid midfielder to reach 10 goals in Europe's elite club competition.
Bellingham has achieved these figures after playing just 37 Champions League matches for Real Madrid. It is a competition he won during his very first season with Los Blancos, between September 2023 and May 2024. Following two seasons plagued by physical problems and persistent shoulder pain, the Englishman is gradually beginning to resemble the footballer who lit up the Santiago Bernabéu from the very first day after his arrival.
"It was a very difficult match. We worked extremely hard to win this game, coming back from behind twice. It is a very important victory in our Champions League campaign this season... Another comeback, but that is the Real Madrid mentality, and it is the mentality we need to maintain for the rest of the season. We are really looking forward to going to Valencia, and hopefully we can win because the next match is always the most important one," Bellingham said after breaking another two records in a Real Madrid shirt.
Los Blancos have won their first four matches in the league phase consecutively for the first time. This weekend, they will travel to face Valencia as they look to continue putting pressure on Barcelona at the top of LaLiga. As for the UEFA Champions League, they still have matches against PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal, LASK of Austria and finally Shakhtar Donetsk.