Olympiacos nearly stunned Real Madrid in a dramatic Champions League encounter in Piraeus that ended with seven goals and a narrow Madrid triumph. Despite being outmatched in moments, Olympiacos showed exceptional resilience after falling behind early.
Kylian Mbappe delivered a masterclass for Real Madrid, scoring four times and spearheading their attack alongside Vinicius Junior, whose creativity and pace destabilized the Greek side’s defense.
Olympiacos coach Jose Luis Mendilibar admitted frustration at the result but expressed satisfaction with his team’s determination:
“Real Madrid gave us a lifeline with their mistakes, and we made the most of it. I’m proud of the way we reacted under pressure. It was a crazy game — one that reminded everyone why football is so unpredictable.”
Olympiacos battled back to 3-4 with an inspired second-half effort, forcing Madrid to defend deep in the closing minutes. Despite their loss, the Greek champions earned praise for their spirited performance.
The Piraeus showdown was among the competition’s most thrilling games this season. Real Madrid maintained their unbeaten group-stage record, while Olympiacos left with renewed confidence ahead of their next match.
“We proved we can compete with anyone,” Mendilibar concluded. “This match gave us belief and showed our character.”
Author’s summary: Mendilibar celebrated Olympiacos’ courage and resilience in a wild 4–3 defeat to Real Madrid, where Mbappe’s four goals decided an unforgettable Champions League clash.