Scored against Real Madrid then got sent off after the whistle! An exciting end to Aboubakary Koïta's night

Mauritania international Aboubakary Koita experienced a dramatic change of fortunes on Wednesday 4 November 2026 receiving a straight red card after AEK Athens' heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

The 28 year old winger had been one of the standout performers at the Allwyn Arena scoring the opening goal against Jose Mourinho's side before assisting AEK's second during a thrilling five goal encounter.

However, his memorable European night ended in controversy when Italian referee Maurizio Mariani sent him off following the final whistle.

The dismissal means Koita will miss AEK Athens' next Champions League fixture against Italian side Como on 24 November dealing another blow to Marko Nikolic's team.

Read Also: Real Madrid escapes the Greek trap.. A Madrid comeback defeats AEK Athens' bravery in the Champions League

Why was Aboubakary Koita sent off after Real Madrid match?

According to Greek outlet Sportal, Koita approached referee Maurizio Mariani immediately after the final whistle and directed offensive language towards the Italian official.

Mariani responded by showing the Mauritanian winger a straight red card, despite the match having already ended.

The incident was also recorded in the official match statistics, with the dismissal registered during the closing moments of the encounter.

That Koita's dismissal will prevent him from featuring against Como later this month.

The development adds further frustration for AEK who had appeared close to securing a valuable result against the Spanish giants before conceding a dramatic stoppage time winner.

Koita's historic goal and assist against Real Madrid

Before the controversial dismissal, Koita had delivered one of his most memorable performances in European football.

The Mauritanian winger stunned Real Madrid after just 12 minutes, receiving a pass from former Madrid striker Luka Jovic before beating Thibaut Courtois with a precise left-footed finish.

The goal gave AEK an unexpected 1-0 advantage and sparked celebrations among the home supporters.

As Foot Africa reported immediately after the breakthrough, Koita's clinical finish represented another significant milestone in his growing European reputation.

Jude Bellingham equalised for Real Madrid in the 32nd minute, but Koita continued to threaten Mourinho's defence.

In the 75th minute, the Mauritanian played a decisive role in AEK's second goal, setting up Stavros Pilios to restore the Greek side's lead.

However, their advantage lasted only three minutes.

Kylian Mbappe equalised in the 78th minute before Federico Valverde struck a spectacular winner in the second minute of stoppage time, completing Madrid's dramatic 3-2 comeback.

Koita therefore finished the match with one goal and one assist, but his outstanding attacking contribution was overshadowed by the red card that followed.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.