Dar es Salaam. Real Madrid were pushed to the limit on Wednesday night but ultimately left Athens with a hard-fought 4–3 victory over Olympiacos in one of the most dramatic Champions League matches of the season.
The Spanish giants, missing five defenders and their first-choice goalkeeper due to injuries and illness, found themselves under pressure early when Francisco Chiquinho fired the Greek hosts ahead with a superb 20-yard effort.
Madrid turn the tide
Despite the early setback, Real Madrid responded with conviction. A devastating attacking spell saw them overturn the deficit in a matter of minutes, thanks to Kylian Mbappé’s brilliance in front of goal.
Vinícius Júnior unlocked the Olympiacos defence with a perfectly timed pass for Mbappé to level, before Arda Güler’s precise cross allowed the Frenchman to head Madrid into the lead.
Moments later, another expertly timed run behind the defence put Mbappé through on goal from Eduardo Camavinga’s pass, and he made no mistake — completing the second-fastest hat-trick in Champions League history.
Madrid thought they had a fourth when Vinícius found the back of the net, but VAR ruled the goal out for an offside in the build-up.
Olympiacos fight back
Aurélien Tchouaméni struck the crossbar as Real continued to dominate possession, but Olympiacos refused to surrender.
Substitute Mehdi Taremi powered home a header to reduce the deficit, reigniting the home crowd.
Real responded again, with an intricate move ending in Mbappé tapping in his fourth from a Vinícius cut-back — restoring their two-goal cushion. But the Greek side struck once more, as Ayoub El Kaabi’s header set up a tense finale.
The visitors held firm, securing their first competitive win in Athens at the 10th attempt and snapping a three-game winless run in all competitions.
The result leaves Real Madrid fifth in the standing, three points behind leaders Arsenal, while Olympiacos remain 33rd on two points.
Madrid rely on Mbappé’s firepower
While Madrid struggled defensively, their attack — and Mbappé in particular — delivered when it mattered most.
The French forward has now scored nine goals in five Champions League matches, already his most prolific European season.
In all competitions, he stands at 22 goals in 18 appearances for Los Blancos.
“It feels good. I’m very happy,” Mbappé said after the match. “Scoring goals is always a pleasure, and my teammates give me great passes.”
His four goals came from just six attempts, underlining his ruthless efficiency on a night when Madrid’s patched-up backline was repeatedly exposed.
What’s next
Real Madrid return home for a blockbuster Champions League clash against Manchester City on Wednesday, 10 December (23:00 EAT).
Olympiacos, for their turn, will travel to Kazakhstan to face Kairat Almaty on Tuesday, 9 December (18:30 EAT).
