Shakhtar Donetsk came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over AEK Athens in their UEFA Champions League league-phase encounter at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Lovro Majer gave the Greek side the lead in the 28th minute after Stavros Pilios produced a fine run into the penalty area before setting up the midfielder to finish into the bottom corner.
Shakhtar responded six minutes later when Pedrinho converted a penalty to level the score at 1-1.
The spot kick was awarded following a VAR review after Alisson Santana was fouled by Filipe Relvas inside the box.
The Ukrainian champions continued to press for a winner after the break and eventually took the lead in the 80th minute.
Vinicius Tobias found the net after AEK goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli deflected his effort across goal.
Gleiker Mendoza sealed the victory six minutes later, finishing off a move assisted by Isaque to give Shakhtar a two-goal cushion.
The encounter marked Shakhtar’s first home fixture in London, with the Ukrainian club hosting their European matches away from their traditional base since 2014.
They have played at various venues in Poland, Germany and Slovenia since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Shakhtar will next travel to Italy to face Inter Milan at the San Siro on October 21, while AEK Athens are scheduled to visit Manchester City on October 20.
