"There are times when I overthink it. I'm grateful to my teammates, who give me the confidence to make those decisions and that push to shoot. I really appreciate that backing," he told 'Movistar+'.

Fede Valverde, who decided the encounter with a blistering stoppage-time strike, hailed Real Madrid's character in weathering the storm against the Greek outfit, particularly after shipping a second goal: "It was a very scrappy, difficult match. We dominated throughout, but struggled to break through and score. The team deserves full credit for the effort and graft, and we must keep going like this," he declared.

"The goal rattled us, but the team stuck to our game plan and the work we put in during the week. We took control again after their goal. The team rediscovered their rhythm, even though it can be very tough after conceding," he explained.

He was also quick to highlight the faith shown by Jose Mourinho's backroom staff and their knack for transmitting energy from the technical area—a factor he viewed as pivotal in maintaining high intensity right up to the final whistle.

"It is down to both the staff and us, trusting in every single teammate. The coaching staff believe in us, always providing that extra spark and energy from the bench. It's always a joy for us to play for them," he noted.

Valverde insisted that Real Madrid never stopped believing they could claim all three points, even when AEK Athens' second strike threatened to derail the evening: "I think that showed in the dying minutes. The team never stopped trying. After they scored their second goal, it looked like an uphill battle, but the team staged another comeback."