As Real Madrid prepares to face Olympiakos in Athens, the club is burdened by a troubling history that casts a shadow over their ambitions. The Spanish giants have long struggled in the Greek capital, where victory has proven elusive. In fact, out of twelve encounters in Athens, Madrid has secured just one win—an unremarkable feat achieved during a friendly match. The stark reality is that when it comes to official competitions, the Merengues have yet to taste victory against local teams in their own backyard.
According to reports from Marca, Real Madrid’s record in Athens comprises nine official matches and three friendlies, with their only success dating back to 1972 against Olympiakos. Since then, the statistics paint a grim picture: three losses and six draws in competitive fixtures. The last time Madrid played in Athens was in 2007, ending in a goalless stalemate against Olympiakos. This dismal run began on January 25, 1913, with an initial trip to Lisbon before making its way to Athens for the first time in 1965, where they drew 3-3 with AEK Athens. A similar fate awaited them in 1969 against Panathinaikos, marking the start of a frustrating trend for the club.
A Singular Victory
The solitary triumph for Real Madrid in Athens came against Olympiakos over half a century ago. The match kicked off with promise as Santillana scored within four minutes. However, the Greeks quickly equalized through Papadimitriou. Yet, Madrid responded decisively with goals from Amancio and Santillana again, sealing a memorable victory that remains unmatched to this day. As the Merengues gear up for another encounter with Olympiakos this Wednesday, they are desperate to end this prolonged drought and reclaim some semblance of dominance.
Breaking the Curse
The stakes are high for Real Madrid as they aim to break free from what many fans consider a curse in Athens. With each passing year without a victory, the pressure mounts not only on the players but also on coaching staff who must navigate this historical hurdle. The team is keenly aware that overcoming Olympiakos will be crucial not just for points but for restoring confidence ahead of future challenges.
As they embark on this journey once again, one question looms large: can Real Madrid finally conquer Athens? The answer may very well define their season and reshape their legacy in European football.
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