Shakhtar Donetsk claimed their first Champions League win of the campaign with a 3-1 comeback against AEK Athens at Stamford Bridge, turning a level contest late on through Vinícius Tobías and Venezuela’s Mendoza.
The Ukrainian side are using the London ground as a European home because of the war in Ukraine. Stamford Bridge hosted the Champions League anthem for the first time this season despite Chelsea not being involved, with AEK’s travelling support giving the night much of its noise.
Quick facts
- Shakhtar Donetsk beat AEK Athens 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.
- It was Shakhtar’s first victory in this season’s Champions League.
- Lovro Majer put AEK ahead in the 28th minute.
- Pedrinho equalised from a VAR-awarded penalty.
- Vinícius Tobías struck with 10 minutes remaining before Mendoza sealed it in the 86th minute.
AEK began with greater purpose and nearly had an immediate reward. Cameroon defender Moukoudi hit the post with a header inside two minutes as the Greek visitors pressed their early advantage.
Shakhtar responded after an angry intervention from coach Arda Turan. Their passing behind the AEK back line began to create openings, while Brazilian wide player Alisson repeatedly troubled the visitors down the right.
Yet AEK struck first in the 28th minute. Pilios broke down the left and Shakhtar failed to clear decisively, allowing Lovro Majer to finish the move and put the Athens club in front.
The lead lasted only briefly. Alisson was brought down in the area and, after a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot. Pedrinho converted to bring Shakhtar level.
The remainder of the first half became an open exchange, with clear chances at both ends. After the interval, however, the tempo dropped sharply and the match appeared to be heading towards a draw.
AEK’s decisive setback came from a seemingly minor moment: a delayed substitution left them temporarily a man short. Shakhtar took advantage immediately, with Vinícius Tobías driving a fierce angled effort in off the outside of his foot to make it 2-1.
Mendoza completed the turnaround in the 86th minute. Cutting inside on the diagonal, the Venezuelan unleashed a strike into the far top corner for his second Champions League goal, securing a significant European night for Shakhtar in their adopted home.
