Mbappe's Lightning Strike Sinks Greek Champions
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe delivered one of the most electrifying performances of this season's Champions League, netting a spectacular hat-trick in just six minutes and 42 seconds against Olympiacos on Wednesday night. The French international single-handedly overturned an early deficit to put the Spanish giants in a commanding position by half-time.
Sensational Seven Minutes Rewrites History
The match at the Karaiskakis Stadium began unexpectedly when Olympiacos stunned the visitors with an eighth-minute goal from Chiquinho against the run of play. However, the Greek side's lead proved short-lived as Mbappe unleashed an unstoppable scoring spree that will be remembered in Champions League folklore.
The 26-year-old forward began his remarkable assault in the 22nd minute, found the net again just two minutes later, and completed his historic hat-trick in the 29th minute. His breathtaking achievement now stands as the second fastest hat-trick in the competition's history, bettered only by Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, who managed the feat in six minutes and 12 seconds against Rangers in 2022.
Consistent Scoring Form Continues
Mbappe's first-half goal explosion takes his Champions League tally to an impressive eight goals from just five appearances this season. His domestic form has been equally formidable, with 13 goals from 13 matches in LaLiga maintaining Real Madrid's narrow one-point advantage over bitter rivals Barcelona.
Under manager Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid have enjoyed a significantly more successful Champions League campaign compared to last season's failure to qualify from the top eight. The Spanish manager made several notable selection decisions for the Greek encounter, including starting Vinicius Jr despite ongoing contract disputes and naming Jude Bellingham among the substitutes.
England international Trent Alexander-Arnold featured at right-back as Real Madrid demonstrated their depth and quality ahead of crucial domestic and European fixtures. Mbappe's extraordinary performance not only secured three vital points but also served notice to Europe that the French superstar remains one of football's most devastating attacking forces.
