Donetsk Shakhtar demonstrated incredible character in the 2nd round match of the main stage of the 2026/2027 UEFA Champions League, securing a hard-fought comeback victory against Athens AEK. The match, filled with intense battles, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final seconds. Trailing in the first half, the Ukrainian club found the strength to turn the tide and earned three crucial points on the international stage.
Match Opening and Early Goal from the Greeks
From the opening minutes, a dynamic back-and-forth battle unfolded on the pitch. The Greek team immediately showed their ambitions: as early as the 3rd minute, Harold Moukoudi headed a corner kick against the goalpost of Shakhtar's goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk. The Donetsk side responded with a dangerous moment in the 10th minute, but AEK's goalkeeper saved Alisson's shot. In the 28th minute, AEK opened the scoring: Aboubakary Koita drove down the flank, passed to Stavros Pilios, who set up Lovro Majer for a precise low shot into the corner.
Immediate Response and Penalty Kick
The conceded goal did not demoralize the "Miners," who responded almost instantly. In the 31st minute, visiting defender Filipe Relvas fouled Alisson inside his own penalty area. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. In the 34th minute, Pedrinho confidently converted the penalty, leveling the score. Near the end of the first half, Shakhtar could have taken the lead, but a direct free-kick cross from Neverton hit the crossbar.
Tactical Adjustments and Victorious Finale
The second half was marked by tactical struggles and clever substitutions. Donetsk coach Arda Turan refreshed the attacking lineup with fresh players. Substitute Gleiker Mendoza added dynamism to Shakhtar's game. The decisive moment arrived in the final ten minutes: in the 80th minute, right-back Vinicius Tobias joined an attacking combination and fired a powerful shot to put his team ahead. Then, in the 86th minute, Mendoza sealed the victory, masterfully curling the ball into the top far corner after receiving a pass from a teammate—3:1 in favor of Donetsk.
