AEK Athens vs Real Madrid Preview, prediction, injury news & lineups | UEFA Champions League 2026-27
Real Madrid will aim to extend their winning run as AEK Athens face a tough European test
Real Madrid travel to Greece to face AEK Athens in a UEFA Champions League 2026-27 league-phase fixture on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The match will take place at the Agia Sophia Stadium in Nea Filadelfeia, with both sides looking to strengthen their position in the competition.
The fixture gives AEK a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s most successful clubs. Real Madrid, meanwhile, will aim to maintain their European campaign’s momentum and secure an important away result.
The hosts will need to produce a disciplined performance against a Real Madrid side that has found its rhythm across domestic and European competitions. AEK Athens will also look to make home advantage count after struggling in their recent Champions League fixtures.
Kick-off Details
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- Competition: UEFA Champions League 2026-27
- Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
- Time: 5:45 PM UTC / 11:15 PM IST
- Venue: Agia Sophia Stadium, Nea Filadelfia
- Referee: To be announced
- VAR: In use
Form
AEK Athens: L-L-W-L-L
Real Madrid: W-W-W-W-W
Players to watch out for
Barnabás Varga (AEK Athens)
Barnabás Varga is one of AEK Athens’ key attacking options and has scored twice in the UEFA Champions League this season. The forward will need to make the most of his opportunities if the hosts are to trouble Madrid.
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappé has scored three goals in three Champions League appearances this season. His pace, movement and finishing will be central to Madrid’s attacking plans, particularly against an AEK defence that has conceded eight goals in two European matches.
Match Facts
- Real Madrid have won their last five matches across all competitions.
- Madrid have scored eight goals in their first two Champions League matches.
- AEK Athens have conceded eight goals across their two European defeats.
- Kylian Mbappé has scored three goals in three Champions League appearances this season.
- AEK Athens recorded a 5-0 victory over Panetolikos in their recent domestic home fixture.
Betting tips & odds
- Tip 1: Real Madrid to win – 1/4 with bet365.
- Tip 2: Kylian Mbappé to score anytime – 4/9 with bet365.
- Tip 3: Jude Bellingham to score anytime – 11/5 with bet365.
Injury & team news
AEK Athens will be without goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, who is sidelined with a wrist injury. His absence could affect the hosts’ defensive stability against a Real Madrid attack led by Kylian Mbappé.
José Mourinho’s side has several players unavailable for the trip to Athens. Federico Valverde is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Raúl Asencio is recovering from a leg injury. Ferland Mendy is also sidelined with a ligament injury, and Rodrygo is expected to remain out until late December after suffering a cruciate ligament injury.
Head-to-head stats
- Matches Played: 02
- AEK Athens: 00
- Real Madrid: 00
- Draw: 02
Predicted Lineup
AEK Athens (4-1-3-2)
Alberto Brignoli; Lazaros Rota, Harold Moukoudi, Filipe Relvas, Stavros Pilios; Kervin Arriaga; Lovro Majer, Răzvan Marin, João Mário; Barnabás Varga, Luka Jović.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
Thibaut Courtois; Denzel Dumfries, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras; Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga; Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Brahim Díaz; Kylian Mbappé.
Match Prediction
Real Madrid enter the fixture in stronger form and have scored four goals in each of their last two Champions League matches. AEK Athens have struggled against European opposition, conceding eight goals in their opening two defeats in the competition. The hosts could still pose a threat at home, but Madrid’s attacking quality and recent results give them a clear advantage.
Prediction: AEK Athens 1-3 Real Madrid
Telecast Details
US: Paramount+, TUDN, UniMás, ViX
UK: TNT Sports 3, HBO Max, TNT Sports 9
India: SONY Ten 3, SONY LIV
Nigeria: SuperSport MaXimo 1
When is AEK Athens vs Real Madrid?
The match will be played on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
What time does AEK Athens vs Real Madrid kick off in India?
The match is scheduled to start at 11:15 PM IST.
Where to watch AEK Athens vs Real Madrid match in India?
Fans in India can watch the match on SONY Ten 3 and SONY LIV.
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