AEK Athens v Real Madrid: Lineups Confirmed as Militão Returns to the Starting XI

In brief

• Real Madrid face AEK Athens in the Champions League league phase in Athens on Wednesday, kick-off 18:45 Polish time.
• Madrid arrive on a six-match winning run, while AEK have lost their last two games.
• Éder Militão returns to the starting XI, with Vinícius captaining the side.

Real Madrid come in on a six-match winning run

Real Madrid arrive in Athens on the back of six consecutive wins in all competitions, a run that includes a victory over Barcelona (AEK Ateny – Real Madryt: Znamy składy! – realmadryt.pl) (AEK Ateny vs Real Madryt: Prognoza, Typy i Kursy | Liga Mistrzów – Eurosport Polska). In the Champions League they recently beat RB Leipzig 4-1 (Składy na mecz AEK - Real Madryt. Wyczekiwany powrót – meczyki.pl). With three rounds played, Madrid have nine points, while AEK have three after two straight defeats.

Militão returns, Courtois in goal

Thibaut Courtois keeps goal. Éder Militão starts for the first time since a spring injury, with Denzel Dumfries, Antonio Rüdiger and Marc Cucurella in front of him. Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva form the midfield, while Yan Diomandé has been moved to the right wing and Vinícius to the left, with Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé completing the attack. Vinícius wears the captain's armband.

AEK line-up and bench

Marko Nikolić sets AEK up in a 4-4-2. Brignoli starts in goal, with Rota, Moukoudi, Relvas and Pilios in defence. Kairinen and Arriaga operate as the central pair, with Majer and Koïta on the flanks and Gaćinović and Jović up front (Με εκπλήξεις η ενδεκάδα της ΑΕΚ για το μεγάλο ματς με τη Ρεάλ Μαδρίτης - Εκτός ο Μαρίν! – gazzetta.gr). Strakosha is on the bench after returning to the squad.

Where to watch

In Poland the match is shown live on CANAL+ Sport Extra 1.