Under the lights of Stamford Bridge, Shakhtar Donetsk found a winning European home once more, overturning AEK Athens 3-1 for their first victory of this Champions League league phase. The Ukrainian club, still forced to stage matches away from home because of the war, survived an early AEK surge before late strikes from Vinícius Tobías and Venezuela’s Mendoza settled an intense evening in west London.
Key takeaways
- Shakhtar came from behind to beat AEK Athens 3-1 in their Champions League league-phase meeting.
- Lovro Majer gave the Greek side a 28th-minute advantage after a move started by Pilios.
- Pedrinho levelled from the penalty spot after VAR confirmed a foul on Alisson.
- Vinícius Tobías put Shakhtar ahead with 10 minutes remaining while AEK were temporarily a man short.
- Mendoza sealed the result in the 86th minute, scoring his second goal in this season’s competition.
Athens supporters set the early tone
The Champions League anthem was heard at Stamford Bridge for the first time this season despite Chelsea not being involved, with Shakhtar continuing their search for a workable home venue beyond Ukraine. AEK’s travelling supporters supplied much of the colour and noise, backing a side that began with real purpose.
Cameroonian defender Moukoudi almost delivered an immediate breakthrough, heading against the post inside two minutes. Shakhtar were rattled by that opening and coach Arda Turan responded with a fierce intervention from the touchline.
His team gradually established itself through passes into the channels and the repeated right-sided runs of Brazilian winger Alisson, which increasingly unsettled the AEK defence. Yet just as Shakhtar appeared to have steadied the contest, they conceded.
Pilios advanced down the left and created the opening for Majer, whose finish in the 28th minute punished hesitant defending. The advantage did not last long. Alisson was brought down in the area, and the referee awarded the spot kick after a VAR review. Pedrinho converted to restore parity.
The remainder of the first half became an open exchange, with both sides creating clear opportunities in a breathless spell.
Late precision decides a quieter second half
After the interval, the pace and the chances largely disappeared. Neither side established lasting control, and the match looked set to end level until an administrative lapse changed its direction.
AEK were left with one fewer player on the pitch after taking too long over a substitution. In that brief imbalance, Vinícius Tobías struck powerfully from a wide position with 10 minutes to play, sending Shakhtar in front.
The Ukrainian side then made the points safe in the 86th minute. Mendoza cut in on a diagonal run and drove his effort into the far top corner, completing a 3-1 result and adding another Champions League goal to his campaign.
