Mbappé's Four-Goal Masterclass Powers Real Madrid Past Olympiacos
Key Takeaways
- Mbappé Four-Goal Masterclass Leads Real Madrid to Victory
- Olympiacos Fight Back Twice Despite Underdog Status
- Real Madrid Maintain Top-Eight Position With 12 Points
Piraeus, Greece — Kylian Mbappé delivered a sensational four-goal performance as Real Madrid survived a spirited Olympiacos challenge to secure a 4-3 victory in a thrilling Champions League encounter at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Wednesday night.
The hosts stunned the Spanish giants early when Chiquinho fired Olympiacos ahead in the 8th minute with a right-footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner after being set up by Ayoub El Kaabi. The Greek side's supporters erupted as the underdogs took an unexpected lead against the European powerhouse.
Mbappé, showcasing why he's considered among the world's elite, responded emphatically with a 14-minute hat-trick that silenced the home crowd. The French superstar equalized in the 22nd minute with a right-footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner, brilliantly assisted by Vinícius Júnior's through ball following a fast break. Just two minutes later, Mbappé headed home from Arda Güler's cross to put Real Madrid ahead. He then completed his first-half hat-trick in the 29th minute, finishing with composure from Eduardo Camavinga's assist.
The second half saw Olympiacos refuse to surrender as they mounted a determined comeback attempt. Mehdi Taremi reduced the deficit in the 52nd minute with a header from the center of the box, converting Santiago Hezze's cross to breathe new life into the contest. However, Mbappé extinguished the hosts' momentum in the 59th minute, scoring his fourth goal with a clinical right-footed finish after another assist from Vinícius Júnior, who thrived in a supporting role throughout the evening.
El Kaabi rewarded the passionate home supporters with a consolation goal in the 81st minute, heading home from Gabriel Strefezza's cross following a fast break. Despite controlling 41.2% possession, Olympiacos generated 18 shot attempts compared to Real Madrid's 15, demonstrating their attacking intent despite occupying the 32nd position in the 36-team Champions League table.
The victory strengthens Real Madrid's position in the competition, keeping them firmly in the top eight with 12 points from five matches. For Olympiacos, despite the defeat, their improved attacking display provides encouragement as they look to salvage pride in their remaining Champions League fixtures. Real Madrid's ability to convert their 58.8% possession advantage into four goals showcased the clinical edge that has made them perennial contenders in Europe's premier club competition.