AEK Athens’ Koita makes Mauritanian history as Real Madrid’s European away problems worsen

Aboubakary Koita became the first Mauritanian to score in the Champions League as Real Madrid conceded another early goal away from home in the competition.

The 28-year-old struck after only 12 minutes of Wednesday’s league-phase meeting between Real Madrid and AEK Athens in Greece, giving the hosts a significant early moment against the European champions.

Koita collected a pass from former Real Madrid forward Luka Jovic on the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a powerful effort into the left corner of Thibaut Courtois’ goal.

According to Opta, Koita is the first player from Mauritania to score in Champions League history. He is also only the second Mauritanian footballer to appear in the competition.

The previous player was Jordan Lefort, who featured in the 2021-22 edition with Young Boys.

Real Madrid’s away record

The goal added to Real Madrid’s recent defensive difficulties in away matches in the Champions League.

Statistics from French data provider Stats Foot show that the goal was the eighth Real Madrid have conceded across their past three away games in the competition.

Real Madrid allowed three goals against Roma in the second round of this season’s campaign, although they won that match 4-3.

Before that, they conceded four times against Bayern Munich in the second leg of last season’s quarter-final, losing 4-3.

Koita’s finish therefore continued a pattern of Real Madrid struggling to keep opponents out on their travels in Europe, while also giving Mauritania a landmark moment in the competition.