Jose Mourinho has praised Real Madrid’s character after they survived a difficult test against AEK Athens to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory in the Champions League.
Speaking to the media in the Allwyn Arena press room after the fourth matchday encounter, the Real Madrid boss admitted his team faced an opponent whose performance exceeded expectations, making the result even more significant.
Although Madrid eventually claimed all three points, Mourinho was quick to acknowledge the quality of AEK’s display. The Portuguese coach revealed that his side had not encountered a similar level of performance from the Greek team in their previous analysis, highlighting their organisation, intensity and attacking threat.
“Very satisfied. We played against a very difficult team, who played very well, better than ever.”
Mourinho explained that AEK made life uncomfortable for Madrid from the opening minute, combining aggressive pressing with a compact defensive structure and direct attacking play.
“Of all the matches we’ve analyzed, none came close to this level of performance they showed from the first minute. Very well organized, pressing, compact at the back, and with direct play.”
He also singled out Jović for his influence as the focal point of AEK’s attack, praising the energy and physical intensity that allowed the hosts to trouble Madrid throughout the contest.
“An extraordinary performance from Jović as the focal point. Players with the stamina and intensity to get forward.”
Rather than blaming his own players for the difficulties they encountered, Mourinho credited AEK’s performance for preventing Madrid from producing what he considered a perfect display.
“They’re the ones responsible for us not playing a perfect game. They played a great game.”
However, the Madrid manager was particularly pleased with how his team responded whenever the contest threatened to swing away from them. He pointed to two crucial moments, when Madrid were trailing 1-0 and later 2-1, as evidence of the mentality required to compete at the highest level.
“Despite the difficulty, we were always in the game. In the two critical moments, at 1-0 and 2-1, we knew how to react, show character, and chase the result.”
The decisive goal arrived in the final minute, capping a frantic finish in which both sides continued to push for victory. Mourinho admitted the game had become increasingly open, with Madrid ultimately benefiting from their superior individual quality.
“The goal in the last minute came when the game was wide open and both teams wanted to win.”
He added that the decisive moment reflected the difference made by individual brilliance in a fiercely contested European encounter.
“The team with more individual quality won, and one player scored that fantastic goal.”
For Mourinho, the 3-2 result was about more than securing a Champions League victory. It was also a demonstration of Madrid’s ability to absorb pressure, respond to setbacks and find a way through when opponents raise their level. AEK may have pushed them to the limit, but Madrid’s late response ensured they left the Allwyn Arena with the result.
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