The Ukrainian side, managed by Arda Turan, fell behind in the first half but responded through Pedrinho’s penalty before late goals from Vinícius Tobias and Gleiker Mendoza sealed the win.
The result gave Shakhtar a valuable victory in the league phase, while AEK were left to reflect on missed opportunities after surrendering their lead.
Majer gives AEK the advantage
AEK started brightly and nearly opened the scoring in the third minute when Harold Moukoudi’s header struck the post following a corner.
The Greek side continued to threaten and took the lead in the 28th minute. Stavros Pilios advanced down the left and delivered the ball into the penalty area, where Lovro Majer finished from close range to put AEK ahead.
Shakhtar responded with greater urgency and were awarded a penalty following a VAR review after Alisson Santana was fouled inside the box. Pedrinho converted from the spot in the 34th minute, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore parity.
The hosts pushed for a second goal before the interval, with Pedro Henrique striking the crossbar, but the teams went into half-time level at 1-1.
Shakhtar turn the game around late
AEK threatened again after the restart, forcing Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk into important saves. He denied Pilios before producing another strong stop to keep out a dangerous free-kick from Marin.
Shakhtar gradually regained control and found the breakthrough in the 80th minute. Vinícius Tobias received the ball from Alisson Santana on the right side of the penalty area and fired into the net to give the Ukrainian side a 2-1 lead.
Six minutes later, the hosts extended their advantage. Substitute Isaque set up Gleiker Mendoza, who cut inside from the left before curling a powerful right-footed shot into the far top corner.
The late goals completed Shakhtar’s comeback and ensured that AEK left London without a point.
AEK unable to hold on
AEK had shown enough attacking quality to trouble Shakhtar, particularly during the opening stages, but their failure to convert further chances proved costly.
Shakhtar, meanwhile, demonstrated patience after the equaliser and made their pressure count in the closing stages. Riznyk’s saves also helped the hosts withstand AEK’s attempts to regain the lead.
The match was played at Stamford Bridge in London, where Shakhtar are staging their European home fixtures this season.
Shakhtar prepare for Inter Milan
Shakhtar’s attention now turns to their next Champions League fixture, an away meeting with Italian champions Inter Milan on 21 October.
The Ukrainian club will take confidence from a performance in which they recovered from conceding first and scored twice in the final 10 minutes.
For AEK, the defeat represents a setback after their positive start to the league phase. They will need to respond in their upcoming European fixture against Manchester City.