Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has dismissed suggestions that his side’s dramatic late victories are down to luck, insisting that his players’ determination and attacking mentality have been responsible for their recent comebacks.

The Portuguese tactician made the remarks after Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

Mourinho admitted that he prefers comfortable victories, such as his side’s 3-0 win over Racing Santander, but said there was a special satisfaction in winning matches through late comebacks.

He argued that luck would have been a reasonable explanation if Real Madrid had been dominated throughout the game before snatching victory.

However, he maintained that his players were the team pushing forward and searching for a winning goal, making their eventual success a product of their determination rather than fortune.

The victory marked Real Madrid’s second consecutive comeback success in the Champions League, following another last-minute winner in their previous European fixture.

Mourinho said the team’s willingness to keep attacking and their belief in securing results were key factors behind the late victories.