Unexpected! Did Vinicius make Real Madrid's starting XI for the Champions League clash?
The biggest question surrounding Real Madrid's lineup against AEK Athens has finally been answered.
Details: Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior has been named in Real Madrid's starting lineup for their Champions League clash against AEK Athens on November 4. Head coach Jose Mourinho has decided to bring the 26-year-old back into the starting eleven for the fourth round of the league phase.
Vinicius has been absent from Real Madrid's recent La Liga fixtures after receiving a four-match suspension following his red card against Villarreal. However, the punishment applies only to domestic competition, meaning the Brazilian remains eligible to feature in the Champions League.
Mourinho had previously confirmed that Vinicius would play against AEK but stopped short of guaranteeing him a starting place. Now the Portuguese manager has made his choice. Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham have also been included in the starting lineup, giving Madrid several major attacking options from the opening whistle.
It is worth noting that Real Madrid have made a perfect start to their Champions League campaign, winning all three matches against Inter, Roma and RB Leipzig while scoring ten goals. Interestingly, the Spanish giants have never beaten AEK in Athens, losing 1-0 in 1985 and drawing 3-3 in 2002.
Reminder: Mourinho has made his decision! Will Vinicius play against AEK?
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
