Madrid's Dynamo in Athens: Vinícius Junior and Mbappé Lead Real Madrid to a 4-3 Champions League Thriller

Madrid's 4-3 Thriller in Athens

Federico Valverde highlighted team unity after Real Madrid’s dramatic victory over Olympiakos on Wednesday, a high-stakes result on matchday five of the UEFA Champions League group stage.

Madrid surged ahead with four goals from Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, in the 22nd, 24th, 29th, and 59th minutes, while Olympiakos answered through Shikhenyo, Mehdi Tarimi, and Ayoub El Kaabi at 8, 52, and 81.

With the win, Real Madrid climbed to 12 points at the top of the group, and Olympiakos sat on two, bottom of the standings.

Historically, Madrid had seven official meetings in Athens against Panathinaikos, AEK, and Olympiakos, without a win here before this night; five draws and two defeats marked the past, making this result a milestone in the Greek capital.

Leadership within the squad drew praise as teammates offered encouragement on social media. Valverde’s outreach underscored that unity matters more than any single star in football’s grand theatre.

Valverde also spoke about the luck of having Vinícius and Mbappé, while stressing that wearing the world’s best squad with this level of commitment is a true honor. He added that the coaching staff has supported him on his path back to peak form and that the team’s growth continues day by day.

Mbappé, for his part, expressed happiness at the win and the need to return Madrid to their winning ways after a tough spell. He described the match as challenging, noting Madrid took control after a rocky start and finished with three valuable points.

The French forward also emphasized the necessity of reviewing performance details, acknowledging room for improvement while remaining confident in the squad’s trajectory and the protection of both teammates and the coach.

Coach Xabi Alonso then spoke about the broader context of European competition, saying the key was securing victory and breaking the recent malaise, with three points vital for advancing toward the knockout rounds. He praised the team’s composure after trailing and the second-half exchanges that decided the game.

Alonso also lauded the attacking duo, noting that Vinícius and Mbappé delivered brilliantly. He stressed the need for everyone’s contribution and the importance of changing a negative dynamic that the players celebrated together.

The manager concluded that the season will be long and demanding, with highs and lows, but unity and trust among players remain essential. He reminded everyone that no single match defines a campaign and that consistency matters more than a one-off result.

Mbappé personally reflected on the victory, underscoring Madrid’s push to rebound after a difficult run and the significance of climbing toward the knockout zone in the Champions League. He described the game as tough, but said Madrid controlled the flow and finished strong.

He also discussed the need to keep refining performance and attention to detail, acknowledging both the positives and the work ahead while reaffirming his confidence in the squad and in protecting the group and the coach. Madrid fans remain a crucial factor in sustaining momentum through a demanding season.

In closing, Alonso emphasized that European competition this season will demand consistency and resilience from everyone. The dialogue around the squad’s strength and unity continues as Real Madrid chase further success in the campaign.

Punchline moment 1: IfMadrid’s chemistry were a Wi‑Fi signal, it would be full bars everywhere, even in a crowded stadium. Punchline moment 2: They say teamwork makes the dream work—Real Madrid clearly filed for an overtime extension on this dream and still woke up with the win.