Mbappe’s Four-Goal Masterclass Propels Real Madrid Past Olympiacos

Real Madrid player ratings delivered a dramatic story as Kylian Mbappe’s extraordinary four-goal performance inspired Los Blancos to a thrilling 4-3 victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League. This pulsating encounter in Athens showcased both Madrid’s attacking brilliance and their defensive vulnerabilities, with Mbappe and Vinicius Jr seizing the spotlight on a night of high drama.

Real Madrid Player Ratings: Mbappe Shines Brightest

Real Madrid player ratings reveal a team in flux, but with one undeniable superstar. The match began disastrously for Los Blancos, as Olympiacos took the lead through Chiquinho’s sublime long-range strike. Madrid’s initial response was hesitant, but the chaos soon gave way to an explosive recovery led by Mbappe, who bagged a sensational seven-minute hat-trick.

Mbappe’s first was a composed finish after racing onto Vinicius Jr’s gorgeous trivela pass. Minutes later, he soared above the defense to nod home a pinpoint header, and then completed his hat-trick with a low drive past the Olympiacos keeper. The French forward’s predatory instincts and clinical finishing set him apart, securing his place as the star performer in the Real Madrid player ratings once again.

Vinicius Jr Answers Critics and Drives Madrid Forward

Vinicius Jr, facing a storm of speculation about his future, responded with a performance full of creativity and determination. His assists for both Mbappe’s opener and fourth goal demonstrated his value to this Madrid side. Vinicius thought he’d gotten on the scoresheet himself, but his excellent finish was ruled out for offside. Even so, his relentless running and invention eased pressure on both himself and his manager.

Midfield Control and Defensive Struggles

While the focus of the Real Madrid player ratings will inevitably be on Mbappe, the midfield trio provided moments of solidity amid the chaos. Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga contributed vital tackles and kept the ball moving, while Arda Guler’s creativity led to Madrid’s second goal. Still, the defensive line was often overrun, with Raul Asencio and Alvaro Carreras struggling to contain Olympiacos’ persistent attacks.

Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made crucial saves, but could do little about the Greek side’s three goals—each exposing Madrid’s defensive lapses. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s trademark passing added value going forward but left defensive gaps that Olympiacos exploited.

Olympiacos Push Madrid to the Limit

Despite Mbappe’s four-goal haul, Olympiacos refused to fold. Mehdi Taremi’s well-taken header and a late flurry of pressure kept the contest alive until the final whistle. The Greek side’s resilience tested Madrid’s nerve, with Lunin called into action several times as the hosts pressed for an equalizer.

Substitutes and Managerial Assessment

Substitutes Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham, and Brahim Diaz struggled to regain control in midfield as Olympiacos pressed for a comeback. Manager Xabi Alonso, under scrutiny after inconsistent performances in recent weeks, will take heart from Mbappe’s brilliance but knows defensive issues persist. He made attacking changes late on, hoping to swing momentum, but Madrid ultimately clung on for a vital three points.

Real Madrid Player Ratings: Individual Performances

• Andriy Lunin (7/10): Couldn’t do much about the goals, but made essential saves.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10): Sprayed passes but struggled defensively.
• Raul Asencio (6/10): Lost concentration at times, especially for Olympiacos’ second.
• Alvaro Carreras (5/10): Out of position and uncomfortable in key moments.
• Ferland Mendy (6/10): Rusty on return, struggled to close down crosses.
• Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10): Missed his mark on opener but solid elsewhere.
• Eduardo Camavinga (7/10): Provided energy and sharp passing; substituted at half-time.
• Arda Guler (7/10): Assisted Madrid’s second and created opportunities.
• Federico Valverde (7/10): Selfless running opened spaces for teammates.
• Kylian Mbappe (10/10): Four goals, including a rapid hat-trick, his best in a Madrid shirt.
• Vinicius Jr (9/10): Two assists and creative spark, silencing his doubters.

Substitutes

• Dani Ceballos (6/10): Added little control in midfield late on.
• Jude Bellingham (6/10): Energetic but lacked cutting edge in the final third.
• Brahim Diaz (6/10): Limited impact after coming on.
• Fran Garcia (N/A): Not enough time to influence proceedings.

What This Means for Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s Champions League hopes remain alive thanks to Mbappe’s heroics, but defensive frailties must be addressed if they are to progress further. This clash highlighted both the immense attacking talent and the glaring weaknesses at the back. Xabi Alonso’s side will need greater balance as the competition intensifies.

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Opinion: Mbappe’s Brilliance Masks Deeper Problems

Mbappe’s four-goal masterclass rightly grabs headlines, but Real Madrid cannot rely on individual brilliance alone. The recurring defensive lapses are a concern, and while stars like Vinicius Jr and Mbappe can turn games, the collective performance must improve if Los Blancos are to reclaim European glory.