According to a report by BBC Sport on Wednesday November 4, 2026, Real Madrid's thrilling 3-2 Champions League triumph over AEK Athens was highlighted by Jude Bellingham's outstanding performance, which earned him the man of the match award.

As Madrid fought hard against their Greek opponents in a tough European match, the England midfielder played a pivotal role, demonstrating his inventiveness, offensive prowess, and resolve.

The goal was disallowed for offside after a video assistant referee intervention, though Bellingham thought he had scored at first. But in the 32nd minute, he leveled the score with a superb backheel finish.

To level the score after Aboubakary Koita put AEK ahead, the midfielder showed great awareness inside the penalty area and finished off a well-planned offensive move that had been set up by Marc Cucurella.

His equalizer gave Madrid a much-needed boost, and his incisive passing and movement allowed the Spanish giants to up their game and find more ways to score despite their resolute opponents.

Stavro Pilo gave AEK the lead back in the 75th minute, but Madrid still wouldn't give up. Kylian Mbappe scored an equalizer, and then Federico Valverde scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time.

Bellingham was a major factor in the match until his substitution in the 86th minute, making a significant impact with his aggressive movements, imagination, and dogged persistence in a tough Champions League match. He was justly named man of the match for his superb performance.