Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. AEK Athens: Vinicius Junior decision to be made

By Matt Law | 02 Nov 2026 15:37, Last updated: 02 Nov 2026 15:38

Vinicius Junior is expected to beryllium introduced backmost into the Real Madrid squad for Wednesday's Champions League fixture with AEK Athens.

The 26-year-old remains suspended successful La Liga, but helium is disposable for European fixtures, and the anticipation is that the Brazil planetary volition beryllium backmost successful the XI successful Athens.

Vinicius is having a hard campaign, lone managing 1 extremity and 3 assists successful 11 appearances for the Spanish giants successful each competitions.

Federico Valverde has besides returned to training, having recovered from a hamstring issue, and the Uruguay planetary should marque the squad for Wednesday's match.

However, Rodrygo (knee) and Raul Asencio (leg) are decidedly retired of the European clash.

Yan Diomande could commencement down the right, with Arda Guler dropping backmost into cardinal midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni.

Trent Alexander-Arnold excelled against Racing de Santander successful La Liga past clip out, but Denzel Dumfries could beryllium introduced into the broadside astatine right-back for this match.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe are again successful enactment to diagnostic successful the last 3rd of the field.

Real Madrid imaginable starting lineup:

Courtois; Dumfries, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouameni, Guler; Diomande, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe