AEK 2-3 Real Madrid: Jose Mourinho's Post-Match Press Conference

Real Madrid has achieved a great victory on a hostile field like AEK's. A match that at times became quite complicated for the team coached by Jose Mourinho. Because the Greeks did not need too many arrivals at Courtois' goal to be able to score. However, the merengues, clinging to the mystique of Champions League comebacks, never lowered their arms or stopped trying.

At the post-match press conference, the Portuguese coach spoke about the comeback, as well as the feeling Vinicius Jr. gave him on his return to the starting eleven, and the explosiveness Endrick showed, among other things. "I am very satisfied; it is obvious. But we played against a magnificent team that played better than ever. Nothing we saw resembled what they did today. Jovic was extraordinary. They played very well. Without them, those responsible. We knew how to suffer," he began.

Later, he commented on Vinicius' match and the possible effect on Yan Diomande for "forcing" him to move to the right flank. "It has not caused any change. It does not matter to Diomande whether it is right or left. Vini had a very acceptable match, not extraordinary, like the team. We have to think about the result, but also about Valencia. That is why I changed Diomande and Bernardo. With Vini, so far, 80% soft hand and 20% hard."

He also spoke about Endrick, who came on in the second half in place of the Ivorian. "It bothers me that he cannot play more. You can see how those who play best play. We took risks with Militao, with Vinicius without so much rhythm... It is dramatic for a fullback, a player like Endrick, after the demands of an hour against another quality player. I look at the bench, and I have so much. I can change plans because of the quality of the squad. They work for the team, without thinking about personal situations. Now it is about saving the playoff."

About the comeback he mentioned: "If it happens many times, it is not luck. Only we could win this match. We have them in their place. Everyone who comes on is important. I am very lucky." And, finally, he was questioned about the small controversy experienced last Sunday when Madrid began the rout against Racing de Santander through a doubtful penalty that, for many, was invented by the referee to favor them.

"It does not influence the scoreboard. We would have scored more goals if necessary. It is a little penalty; for me, it is. If they call it against me, I would not be happy. In other matches, there were errors with a great impact on the scoreboard. Those are the errors that matter, not this one," he concluded.

Now, Madrid rests in second place in the Champions League after the defeat of one of its direct competitors, Liverpool. It remains momentarily, alongside Paris Saint-Germain, as the only two teams to win four out of four matches. Now, it is time to focus again on LaLiga, since a new match against Valencia is coming, which is extremely important to win.