Real Madrid Secures Historic First Victory in Greece

Real Madrid achieved a historic victory in Greece, marking their first official win on Greek soil. The match showcased the talents of Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé, the latter scoring four goals to propel his team forward. Despite the win, concerns linger about Real Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities, highlighted by Olympiacos’s aggressive play.

Match Overview

This encounter was a crucial moment for Real Madrid after a series of disappointing results. Coach Xabi Alonso made significant changes, introducing six new players to rejuvenate the squad. The adjustments aimed to restore confidence after three matches without a win.

Key Players and Injuries

• Vinícius Jr.: Delivered an outstanding performance, contributing both assists and offensive pressure.
• Kylian Mbappé: Scored four goals in a remarkable display, showing his striking proficiency.
• Andriy Lunin: Returned to the lineup in goal after a lengthy absence due to injury.
• Ferland Mendy: Also made his return, providing additional options in defense.

Match Highlights

The game started dramatically with Olympiacos taking an early lead through Chiquinho’s goal in the 8th minute. Real Madrid responded quickly, with Mbappé leveling the score in the 22nd minute. He continued his scoring blitz, netting two more goals within minutes, showcasing the weaknesses in Olympiacos’s defense.

• First Half Goals:
  • 1-0: Chiquinho (8′) – Olympiacos takes the lead.
  • 1-1: Mbappé (22′) – Equalizer for Real Madrid.
  • 1-2: Mbappé (24′) – Quick turnaround with another goal.
  • 1-3: Mbappé (29′) – Completing his hat-trick.

Olympiacos fought back, with Taremi scoring early in the second half, reducing the deficit to 2-3. However, Vinícius restored a two-goal cushion with his strike in the 60th minute.

Late Drama

The match concluded with heightened tensions as El Kaabi added another goal for Olympiacos in the 81st minute, making the score 3-4. Real Madrid held on amidst relentless pressure, with Lunin making crucial saves to secure the win.

Final Statistics

The match took place at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, which was filled with 33,296 spectators. Despite the thrilling nature of the game, Real Madrid must address their defensive frailties as they prepare for their next challenge.