Mbappé’s Four-Goal Masterclass Seals Thrilling 4-3 Victory for Real Madrid in Piraeus

Key Takeaways:

• Kylian Mbappé scored four times as Real Madrid edged Olympiacos 4:3 in an enthralling Champions League clash in Piraeus
• Mbappé’s hat-trick came in just 6 minutes and 42 seconds, the second-fastest in Champions League history
• With this win, Real Madrid drew level on points with Inter, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, remaining three behind leaders Arsenal

Match Analysis: Piraeus Hosts a Champions League Classic

Real Madrid emerged victorious in one of the most dramatic fixtures of the Champions League group stage with a 4:3 away win against Olympiacos at the Karaiskakis Stadium. The encounter lived up to its billing, featuring relentless attacking play, defensive lapses, and a remarkable four-goal performance from Kylian Mbappé.

Olympiacos seized the initiative early on when Chiquinho found the net in the 8th minute. Despite an aggressive response from Real Madrid, it was not until Mbappé’s dazzling display midway through the first half that the visitors turned the game on its head. The French forward struck three times in rapid succession (22′, 24′, 29′), becoming the architect of a remarkable turnaround.

Kylian Mbappe becomes the second Real Madrid player ever to score 4 goals in a single UCL game, joining his idol Cristiano Ronaldo 🔥

Real Madrid superstars 🤩 pic.twitter.com/TUPiCD8SaE

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 26, 2025

Shortly after, Vinícius Júnior appeared to extend Madrid’s lead, only for VAR to disallow his goal. The Greeks refused to yield, with Mehdi Taremi narrowing the deficit early in the second half (52′), but Mbappé soon restored Real’s cushion with his fourth of the evening (60′). Ayoub El Kaabi’s late strike (81′) set up a nervy finish, yet Los Blancos held firm to collect a vital three points.

Team News and Tactical Overview

The build-up to the match was dominated by concerns regarding Jude Bellingham’s fitness, and it was confirmed that Eduardo Camavinga would deputise in midfield. Real Madrid also operated without several first-team regulars, including Courtois, Militão, Rüdiger, Alaba, Hausen, Carvajal, and Mastantuono.

Despite their lineup depletion, the visitors began assertively. In the 3rd minute, Vinícius Júnior forced Konstantinos Tzolakis into early action with a shot from inside the area. Olympiacos, however, executed a precise multi-pass move, finished emphatically by Chiquinho, to take an unexpected lead.

Real Madrid responded with a flurry of attacks, which left them susceptible at the back. Chiquinho nearly doubled the Greek side’s advantage in the 19th minute, but failure to capitalise proved costly as Madrid seized control.

Mbappé’s Historic Hat-Trick

Mbappé’s equaliser came in the 22nd minute with a composed one-on-one finish. By the 24th minute, he had already doubled his tally, punishing Olympiacos once more. His third, arriving in the 29th, was initially subject to offside review before being rightly awarded following a VAR check.

This trio marked Mbappé’s fifth Champions League hat-trick, three coming for Los Blancos, with his treble in Piraeus clocked at 6 minutes and 42 seconds, falling just short of Mohamed Salah’s all-time record of 6 minutes and 13 seconds.

Moments later, Vinícius Júnior had a goal chalked off by VAR, preventing Madrid from extending their advantage. Olympiacos responded through El Kaabi, but his 34th minute effort was saved. Tchouaméni then sent a chance wide as the half wore on. Right before the interval, Mehdi Taremi went to ground in the Madrid box but referee Michael Oliver waved away appeals for a penalty.

Second Half Drama and Late Pressure

The second period opened with Vinícius Júnior threatening once more, but it was Olympiacos who cut into the lead as Taremi headed home in the 52nd minute. Real Madrid’s reply was immediate – a swift move ended with Mbappé netting his fourth to make it 4:2 on 60 minutes, bringing his Champions League tally for the season to nine goals.

Olympiacos, undeterred, pressed for a way back. José Luis Mendilibar was prompted into changes and both sides created further openings. For the Greek side, Podence and El Kaabi tested Lunin, whilst Madrid’s Bellingham and Tchouaméni drew saves from Tzolakis.

The hosts’ persistence paid off in the 81st minute as El Kaabi converted Strefezza’s delivery, marking his 11th goal in 17 games across all competitions. Olympiacos pushed for a leveller, but Strefezza’s 89th-minute strike was blocked and, in added time, their final foray was thwarted by Madrid’s defence.

The result leaves Olympiacos with two draws and three defeats from five matches, languishing four points outside the play-off zone and nine positions below the cut. Madrid, meanwhile, move level on points with Inter, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, maintaining a three-point deficit to group leaders Arsenal.

Starting Lineups