Real Madrid Secures Thrilling Victory in Champions League Clash

Real Madrid broke their three-match winless streak with a thrilling 4-3 victory against Greek champions Olympiacos at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Wednesday.

The match began with a shocking twist as Chiquinho scored a stunning volley into the bottom-left corner just eight minutes in. However, Real Madrid responded magnificently, with Kylian Mbappe netting a hat-trick within a mere seven minutes, decisively turning the tide before the half-hour mark.

Jose Luis Mendilibar’s squad was not ready to concede defeat easily. After the first-half injury to Chiquinho, substitute Mehdi Taremi reduced the deficit for the home side with a goal in the 52nd minute. Yet, Mbappe swiftly responded, completing his remarkable game with a fourth goal just eight minutes later, bringing his tally to nine in the current Champions League season.

Olympiacos refused to back down, with Ayoub El Kaabi scoring a powerful header in the 81st minute, reigniting hopes for a comeback. The home team intensified their efforts, pushing for an equalizer and coming close on several occasions. Despite their pressure, Real Madrid’s defense held firm in the final minutes, securing the win and ending their winless streak.

Post-match, manager Xabi Alonso addressed reporters, reflecting on his team’s performance and the pressure they faced. “The players have been incredibly positive and productive in overcoming our recent challenges. This victory not only gives us three points but also highlights our unity and commitment,” he stated.

Alonso expressed a calm demeanor regarding the pressures of recent performances, emphasizing his experience in navigating the ups and downs of football. “I am handling this situation with more tranquility than one might expect. I understand that the journey is long and not always straightforward,” he remarked.

Rumors of discontent within the Real Madrid dressing room have circulated, particularly regarding Vinicius Jr. and his relationship with Alonso, which The Athletic characterized as “strained.” Reports suggest that Vinicius has indicated to club officials that he may not renew his contract due to this dynamic.

Despite these speculations, Alonso praised Vinicius for his outstanding contributions during the match, where he provided two assists for Mbappe and had a potential goal disallowed. Vinicius now stands with 27 assists in the Champions League, tying him with club legend Karim Benzema as the second-highest assist provider in the competition’s history for Real Madrid.

Alonso expressed disappointment over the disallowed goal, noting that it was a play they had discussed leading up to the match. “It would have provided him with a significant morale boost, as it’s a typical goal for him,” he commented on Vinicius’s near-miss.

The victory further solidified Madrid’s position as they pursue a top-eight finish in the Champions League group stage. Despite recent draws against Rayo Vallecano and Elche, the team remains atop La Liga.

Looking ahead, Alonso stated confidence in navigating upcoming challenges, noting the upcoming away matches. “We’ll see how it unfolds. We felt good about our performance, and we need to focus on the next match against Girona followed by Bilbao. The schedule is demanding, but we are ready for it.”