Alonso Acknowledges Olympiacos’ Tenacity Despite Real Madrid’s Champions League Victory

Athens, Greece – Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 4-3 victory against Olympiacos at the Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis in a thrilling Matchday 5 encounter of the Champions League, prompting Madrid coach Xabi Alonso to acknowledge the Greek side’s spirited performance and resilience. The seven-goal thriller, played on Wednesday night, saw Kylian Mbappe score four goals for the visitors, but Olympiacos’ persistent fightback earned them considerable respect from the Spanish giants.

The match unfolded as a captivating spectacle, with Olympiacos drawing first blood early in the eighth minute through Chiquinho. The Portuguese midfielder’s strike ignited the home crowd and put Real Madrid on the back foot. However, the lead proved to be short-lived as Kylian Mbappe responded emphatically, netting a quick-fire hat-trick between the 22nd and 29th minutes to turn the game on its head. The French superstar showcased his clinical finishing, leaving the Olympiacos defense reeling.

Undeterred, Olympiacos emerged from the halftime break with renewed determination. Mehdi Taremi, the Iranian striker, pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute, reigniting the home side’s hopes. Mbappe, however, extinguished some of that optimism just eight minutes later, scoring his fourth goal of the night to restore Real Madrid’s two-goal advantage.

As the game wore on, Olympiacos continued to press, refusing to surrender. Ayoub El Kaabi, the Moroccan forward, further reduced the deficit in the 81st minute, setting up a tense finale. Olympiacos surged forward in search of an equalizer, but Real Madrid’s defense held firm, weathering the storm to secure a narrow victory.

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Despite the defeat, Olympiacos’ performance drew praise from Xabi Alonso. The Real Madrid manager acknowledged the Greek side’s quality and their ability to cause his team problems throughout the match. "Olympiacos played very well," Alonso said in the post-match press conference. "We knew from the beginning that we were facing a difficult opponent. The point is that Olympiacos has fewer points than they should have for their performance in the league phase. They should have more."

Alonso further elaborated on the challenges Olympiacos posed, highlighting their aggressive approach and ability to force Real Madrid to adapt. "They pressed us a lot, took the lead, and made us introduce different elements to the game. They also put a lot of pressure on us at the end of the game. In the end, the victory is the only thing that matters."

The victory ensured Real Madrid’s progression to the knockout stages of the Champions League, while Olympiacos’ hopes of qualifying from the group stage were effectively dashed. However, their performance against Real Madrid served as a testament to their fighting spirit and their ability to compete against Europe’s elite.

Olympiacos’ Season So Far

Olympiacos, under the guidance of manager José Luis Mendilibar, have endured a mixed season so far. Domestically, they currently sit third in the Greek Super League, trailing leaders Panathinaikos by seven points. Their Champions League campaign has been equally challenging, with one win, one draw, and three losses in their five group stage matches.

Despite their struggles, Olympiacos boast a squad with several experienced players, including Kostas Fortounis, the Greek international midfielder, and Stevan Jovetić, the Montenegrin forward. Their attacking prowess was evident in the match against Real Madrid, where they managed to score three goals against one of the competition’s strongest defenses.

Real Madrid’s Dominance Continues

Real Madrid, under Xabi Alonso, have continued their impressive form this season. They currently lead La Liga, holding a five-point advantage over arch-rivals Barcelona. Their Champions League campaign has been equally successful, with four wins and one loss in their five group stage matches.

Real Madrid’s squad is brimming with talent, including Kylian Mbappe, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham. Mbappe’s four-goal performance against Olympiacos further solidified his status as one of the world’s best players. The team’s blend of youth and experience has made them a formidable force both domestically and in Europe.

Historical Context and Previous Encounters

Real Madrid and Olympiacos have a history of encounters in European competitions. Prior to this match, the two teams had met on six occasions, with Real Madrid winning four times and Olympiacos winning twice. Their most recent encounter was in the 2020-21 Champions League group stage, where Real Madrid won both matches.

Real Madrid’s dominance in the Champions League is well-documented, having won the competition a record 14 times. Olympiacos, on the other hand, have never reached the final of the Champions League, with their best performance being a quarter-final appearance in the 1998-99 season.

Tactical Analysis

The match between Real Madrid and Olympiacos was a tactical battle between two experienced managers. Xabi Alonso opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Kylian Mbappe leading the line and supported by Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo on the wings. The midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić, and Federico Valverde provided a blend of creativity and stability.

José Luis Mendilibar deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mehdi Taremi as the lone striker and supported by Kostas Fortounis, Pep Biel, and Giorgos Masouras in the attacking midfield roles. The defensive midfield duo of Mady Camara and Andreas Bouchalakis provided protection for the back four.

Real Madrid’s attacking prowess proved to be the difference in the match, with Kylian Mbappe’s clinical finishing proving too much for the Olympiacos defense to handle. However, Olympiacos’ resilience and determination to fight back demonstrated their tactical flexibility and their ability to adapt to different situations.

Looking Ahead

Real Madrid will now turn their attention to their upcoming La Liga fixture against Atlético Madrid, a crucial derby match that could have significant implications for the title race. They will also be looking ahead to the Champions League knockout stages, where they will aim to continue their quest for a record-extending 15th title.

Olympiacos, meanwhile, will focus on their domestic campaign, aiming to close the gap on league leaders Panathinaikos and secure a place in next season’s Champions League. They will also be looking to build on their performance against Real Madrid and use it as a springboard for future success.

The match between Real Madrid and Olympiacos served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of resilience and determination. While Real Madrid emerged victorious, Olympiacos earned the respect of their opponents and demonstrated their ability to compete against Europe’s best.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo

Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.

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