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Matchday 4 · · Allwyn Arena

AEK Athens vs Real Madrid: lineups

Last updated:

AEK Athens 27 · 3 points
Real Madrid 5 · 9 points

Predicted lineups AEK Athens vs Real Madrid

AEK Athens 4-4-2
91 Brignoli or Strakosha
3 Pilios
44 Relvas
2 Moukoudi
12 Rota or Gaćinović
11 Koita or Zubkov
18 Marin
27 Vitális or Arriaga
14 Majer
9 Jović
19 Varga

Predicted lineup for AEK Athens: Brignoli, Pilios, Relvas, Moukoudi, Rota, Koita, Marin, Vitális, Majer, Jović, Varga

Real Madrid 4-2-3-1
1 Courtois
17 Cucurella or Carreras
4 Huijsen
22 Rüdiger or Konaté
24 Dumfries
6 Camavinga or Tchouaméni
20 Silva
7 Vinicius
5 Bellingham
15 Güler or Diomande
10 Mbappé

Predicted lineup for Real Madrid: Courtois, Cucurella, Huijsen, Rüdiger, Dumfries, Camavinga, Silva, Vinicius, Bellingham, Güler, Mbappé

AEK Athens

AEK Athens face Real Madrid after a 2-0 derby defeat to Panathinaikos, another difficult result following heavy Champions League losses to Shakhtar Donetsk and Manchester City. Marko Nikolić has kept faith with a 4-4-2 system, but the hosts will need better protection between the lines to avoid exposing their centre-backs. Luka Jović and Barnabás Varga are still the likeliest strike partnership.

Preparation has been disrupted by illness. Lazaros Rota and Aboubakary Koita are recovering from a virus and their availability remains uncertain. Rota is a particularly awkward problem because Martin Georgiev, who replaced him against Panathinaikos, is not registered for the Champions League. Mijat Gaćinović could provide emergency cover at right-back. João Mário is ruled out by pneumonia. Alberto Brignoli remains favourite to start in goal, although Thomas Strakosha has resumed normal training after a lengthy absence. Harold Moukoudi and Filipe Relvas should provide continuity in central defence.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid's 3-0 win at Racing Santander extended their winning run to six matches, with Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande on the scoresheet. José Mourinho can now bring Vinícius Júnior back into the attack: his suspension applies only to Spanish domestic competition. The Brazilian is expected on the left, with Mbappé leading the line and Bellingham supporting him centrally.

Federico Valverde has returned to group training after a hamstring problem, although starting immediately is not guaranteed. Denzel Dumfries is therefore a realistic option at right-back. Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rüdiger could be paired in central defence, with Ibrahima Konaté another contender after starting at Racing. Arda Güler and Aurélien Tchouaméni followed individual training plans on Tuesday, leaving Mourinho with decisions in midfield. Bernardo Silva and Eduardo Camavinga have already started together in Europe. Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio remain injured, while Ferland Mendy is absent from the UEFA squad list.

Injuries and suspensions

AEK Athens

All players available.

Real Madrid

  • Ferland Mendy Hip injury Unavailable
  • Federico Valverde Hamstring injury Unavailable
  • Raúl Asencio Broken leg Unavailable
  • Rodrygo Knee injury Unavailable

Which English players could feature in AEK Athens vs Real Madrid?

2 players
  • Jude Bellingham Real Madrid Starting
  • Trent Alexander-Arnold Real Madrid Likely to start Started 7 of 8 matches.

Players to watch

The five players from each team with the most combined goals and assists this season.

All stats

AEK Athens

  1. Răzvan Marin 2 goals 0 assists
  2. Barnabás Varga 2 goals 0 assists
  3. Stavros Pilios 1 goals 1 assists
  4. Lovro Majer 1 goals 1 assists
  5. Luka Jović 1 goals 0 assists

Real Madrid

  1. Kylian Mbappé 15 goals 3 assists
  2. Yan Diomande 4 goals 4 assists
  3. Jude Bellingham 4 goals 3 assists
  4. Arda Güler 3 goals 5 assists
  5. Carlos Espí 3 goals 0 assists

Playing time and form

Who has played the most in recent weeks, and how have they performed?

AEK Athens

Player Starts Min. Form
Alberto Brignoli 4/4 360 mixed
Harold-Desty Moukoudi 4/4 360 solid
Filipe Relvas 5/4 360 solid
Stavros Pilios 5/4 350 solid
Lazaros Rota 5/4 315 mixed
Luka Jović 4/4 279 mixed
Aboubakary Koita 2/4 270 strong
Milán Vitális 3/4 259 solid

Real Madrid

Player Starts Min. Form
Kylian Mbappé 5/5 443 excellent
Jude Bellingham 5/5 428 strong
Marc Cucurella 4/5 368 mixed
Yan Diomande 4/5 362 excellent
Thibaut Courtois 4/4 360 strong
Dean Huijsen 4/4 360 solid
Ibrahima Konaté 4/4 360 solid
Arda Güler 4/5 343 excellent

Frequently asked questions

When will the lineup for AEK Athens vs Real Madrid be announced?

Predicted lineups will appear on this page a few days before the match. Confirmed teams usually follow around an hour before kick-off, scheduled for .

Who is unavailable for Real Madrid against AEK Athens?

Real Madrid are without Ferland Mendy (hip injury), Federico Valverde (hamstring injury), Raúl Asencio (broken leg) and Rodrygo (knee injury).

What formation do AEK Athens play?

AEK Athens have used a 4-4-2 formation in their last 5 matches under Nikolić.

What formation do Real Madrid play?

Real Madrid have used a 4-2-3-1 formation in their last 5 matches under José Mourinho.

Other matches from matchday 4 of the Champions League

Other matches today