Champions League Report: Real Madrid Denied By Battling AEK Athens

Real Madrid gave away a two-goal lead to concede a embarrassing 2-2 draw to AEK Athens on Tuesday night. Centeno scored AEK's vital equalizer four minutes from time to keep the Greeks in the run for a spot in the next phase.

Steve McManaman had put Real in the lead after 24 minutes from a good Cambiasso setup from the left. The former Liverpool winger made it two-nil three minutes from half time thanks to a superb Ronaldo effort past two defenders.

With Real showing undisputed superiority and AEK Athens in deep trouble, Maladenis and Ivic came in to give the match another look.

Real Madrid showed signs of weakness that were aggravated by Zinedine Zidane's substitution by Santiago Solari. Katsouranis pulled one back to restore some hope for AEK.

While the Merengues were busy attacking on the break, AEK made the most of their last gasp offensives with a deserved equalizer by substitute Centeno, well served by Ivic who skipped past sluggish Hierro.

AEK could have scored a third in stoppage time but should be satisfied with the draw anyway. The Greeks will contend the group's second spot with Roma in the last two days.