'Only We Can Win Like This': Mourinho Roars After Real Madrid's Late Drama
Real Madrid secure a dramatic 3-2 victory against AEK Athens with a stoppage-time winner. Jose Mourinho praises the squad's unique winning spirit.
In a match that epitomized the spirit of the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over AEK Athens, climbing to the second spot in the league table. The match was decided in the dying moments, a scenario that Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho claims his team has mastered better than any other in the world.
A Stoppage-Time Sensation
The drama reached its peak in the final seconds of the game. With the score deadlocked and the clock ticking into stoppage time, Federico Valverde stepped up to deliver a stunning "rocket" that flew into the top corner of the net, sealing the win for the fifteen-time champions.
Reflecting on the victory, Mourinho emphasized the psychological edge his team possesses. "These matches that are decided in the final minutes... no one can win them this way except us. We have what it takes to do it," the manager stated, highlighting the composure and resilience of his squad under pressure.
The Bellingham Brilliance
While Valverde grabbed the winner, Jude Bellingham was central to Madrid's offensive efforts. After having an early goal involving Vinicius Jr ruled out for offside, the England star made amends in the 32nd minute with a spectacular backheel to pull his side level.
Mourinho was lavish in his praise for the midfielder, describing him as a once-in-a-generation talent.
"There is no midfielder in the world who has this amount of completeness at every level,"Mourinho remarked. He further noted that Bellingham possesses a rare combination of work rate, leadership, ambition, and the clinical ability to score from the midfield.
The Course of the Clash
The match was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts:
- Early Shock: AEK Athens took an early lead in the 12th minute when Aboubakary Koita scored, assisted by Luka Jovic.
- The Equalizer: After Bellingham's 32nd-minute strike, the game remained tense, with Kylian Mbappe missing a chance to assist Marc Cucurella, who failed to convert from his weaker foot.
- Athens Fight Back: The home side looked set for a victory in the 75th minute when Koita turned provider, assisting Stavro Pilo for a goal.
- The Comeback: Real Madrid refused to fold, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the equalizer in the 78th minute after receiving a cross from Denzel Dumfries, setting the stage for Valverde's final heroics.
Depth and 'Positive Envy'
Despite the win, the lack of playing time for some stars, including Brazil's Endrick, has been a talking point. Mourinho addressed this by pointing to the immense quality of his squad, suggesting that other managers look at his bench with "positive envy."
The manager insisted that having numerous high-quality options is a luxury that allows him to solve problems on the fly. He concluded by reminding his players that as long as they prioritize the team over personal considerations, the group will remain an unstoppable force.