La Liga Daily Report - 2026-11-04: Valverde completes Real Madrid comeback against AEK Athens

Real Madrid beat AEK Athens 3-2 on Wednesday to preserve their perfect Champions League record. AEK took the lead through Aboubakary Koita after 12 minutes, but Jude Bellingham equalised in the 32nd minute after an earlier effort had been ruled out by VAR. Stavro Pilo restored the Greek side’s advantage with 15 minutes remaining before Kylian Mbappé levelled three minutes later. Federico Valverde then struck in stoppage time, converting a decisive assist from Brahim Díaz to complete a fourth consecutive victory in the competition for José Mourinho’s side.

The result maintained Madrid’s winning run after earlier successes against Inter Milan, Roma and RB Leipzig, while underlining their ability to recover from difficult positions. Mourinho had urged his players to approach the match seriously, stressing that points were needed despite the apparent difference between the teams. Bellingham and Mbappé supplied the goals that brought Madrid back into contention, but Valverde’s late finish proved decisive. The victory strengthened Madrid’s position in the league phase and kept their direct qualification ambitions on course, although the performance also showed how vulnerable they could be when opponents started aggressively.

Barcelona beat Aston Villa 3-0 on Tuesday to return to winning ways in the Champions League. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring after seven minutes by capitalising on an error involving Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and midfielder João Gomes, before Raphinha added twice after half-time. The victory ended Villa’s unbeaten start in the competition and moved Barcelona into second place after four matches. Yamal’s goal also took his Champions League total to 14 in 37 appearances, according to UEFA figures, moving him beyond Kylian Mbappé’s 13 goals before turning 20.

The result carried an unusually sombre mood because Camp Nou held a minute’s silence before kick-off following the death of Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel. Raphinha, who was named man of the match, dedicated his two-goal display to the late striker and said it was not a good day to discuss football. Barcelona nevertheless produced a commanding response on the pitch, with Yamal’s early finish setting the tone and Raphinha settling the contest. The teenager now has several months before his 20th birthday to extend a record that had previously belonged to Mbappé.

Real Madrid announced on Wednesday that Rafael Nadal had been appointed to its Board of Directors, subject to ratification by the General Assembly of Delegate Members. The club identified Nadal, member number 67,778, as an honorary member and described the 22-time Grand Slam champion as one of Spain’s most admired athletes. The appointment links one of the country’s most recognisable sporting figures with the club he has long supported. Real Madrid presented the decision as a formal addition to its governing structure rather than a footballing appointment.

Nadal’s arrival gives Madrid another prominent Spanish sporting voice around the club’s leadership. The announcement highlighted his status as a lifelong supporter and paid tribute to achievements that extend well beyond football. The next formal step is the vote by the General Assembly of Delegate Members, which must ratify the appointment. If approved, Nadal will take his place alongside the club’s directors while continuing his association with Real Madrid in an official capacity. His profile and connection with the institution make the move notable beyond the boardroom.

Racing Santander forward Yassir Zabiri had scored eight goals in his first 11 appearances for the newly promoted La Liga club by Wednesday. The Moroccan joined on loan from Rennes in August and had set himself a target of at least 10 goals before making his debut. His early return already placed him fourth in the Pichichi race, seven goals behind leader Raphinha, four behind Kylian Mbappé and two behind Lamine Yamal. Zabiri’s output stood out even though Racing were 16th in the table and lacked the resources of the division’s leading clubs.

Racing’s playing style was reportedly central to Zabiri’s decision to move to Spain, while sporting director Chema Aragon praised his movement, finishing and ability to adapt. Those qualities have translated quickly into competitive football, making the 10-goal objective appear modest if his form continues. The forward’s loan spell has also attracted attention beyond Santander, with his performances being framed as a potential route to a major move to England. For Racing, retaining that production could prove important in their effort to establish themselves after promotion.

Villarreal signed Beyond Limits forward Merveille Akinocho on a long-term deal, according to Sports247 Nigeria on Wednesday. The attacker moved to Spain after helping the Nigerian academy win the TCC Championship, TCC Cup and TCC Super Cup. The transfer marked a significant step from domestic academy football into a La Liga club’s development system and represented another European pathway for Beyond Limits players. Akinocho’s performances across the TCC competitions had established him as one of the academy’s notable attacking prospects before the move to Villarreal.

The deal reinforced the growing link between Nigerian grassroots football and clubs in Europe. Beyond Limits’ success provided the platform for Akinocho’s progression, while Villarreal secured a young player whose next challenge will be adapting to Spanish football and the club’s development structure. The move also raised the profile of the TCC competitions as a route towards professional opportunities abroad. Attention will now turn to Akinocho’s integration in Spain, with the long-term agreement giving Villarreal time to develop his potential rather than placing immediate first-team expectations on him.

Liverpool were reportedly prepared to sanction a permanent sale of Harvey Elliott in January if Valencia ended his loan spell early. The 23-year-old had not started a La Liga match this season and had played 152 league minutes, according to TheHardTackle, prompting growing expectations that Valencia could return him to Anfield when the transfer window opens. Elliott moved to Spain seeking regular football after a difficult loan at Aston Villa last season, but the change of manager at Valencia has not improved his prospects.

The report said Liverpool no longer viewed a return to their first team as a likely route for the midfielder. Elliott had been brought to Valencia by former West Brom manager Carlos Corberan, while former chief executive Ron Gourlay had also since left the club; Javier Aguirre subsequently took charge. A suspension had further complicated the player’s situation. An early termination would leave Elliott needing another move to rebuild momentum, while Valencia would have to decide whether his limited involvement justified retaining him for the remainder of the campaign.