Real have yet to beat AEK in Athens: AEK vs. Real prediction
On November 4, Greek side AEK will host Real Madrid in the fourth round of the Champions League league phase. The Spaniards have won all three previous meetings and sit fourth with nine points. The hosts are 29th with just three points. Despite the gap in current form, the head-to-head record gives the Greeks hope of pulling off a shock.
AEK: four defeats in five matches and hope of home advantage
Marco Nikolic's team are going through a difficult spell. After opening with a 1-0 win over LASK, the Athens side suffered two defeats in the Champions League, losing 1-3 to Shakhtar and 1-5 to Manchester City. Their struggles continued domestically, with AEK falling to PAOK and Panathinaikos. In total, the Greek club have lost four of their last five matches, seriously complicating preparations for a meeting with one of the tournament favourites.
The squad situation is also raising concerns. Goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha will miss the game with a hand injury, while the involvement of João Mário and Lazaros Rota remains doubtful due to illness. The hosts' main attacking hopes rest on former Real Madrid forward Luka Jović, who has scored seven goals in 15 matches, and Barnabás Varga, who has nine goals in 13 appearances. AEK can draw confidence from the head-to-head record: they have never lost to Real Madrid at home.
Real Madrid: six straight wins and a perfect Champions League start
José Mourinho's side have hit impressive form since their 1-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the derby. Real have won six consecutive matches in all competitions since then. In the latest La Liga round, the capital club thrashed Racing 3-0, while in the Champions League they comfortably beat RB Leipzig 4-1. Nine points from three games leave Madrid well placed to secure direct qualification for the round of 16.
Real's coaching staff received good news ahead of the trip to Greece. Vinícius Júnior, who is serving a domestic suspension, is available for Champions League duty. Federico Valverde has recovered from his injury and returned to training. Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio, however, remain unavailable. Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham are expected to feature in attack. Still, Real's away record against Greek clubs is cause for concern: they have won just one of their last eight such matches in UEFA competitions.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Real have won their last six matches in all competitions
- AEK have lost neither of their two home matches against Real Madrid
- Real Madrid have won just one of their last eight away matches against Greek clubs in UEFA competitions
Will AEK end Madrid's winning run: AEK vs. Real prediction
AEK are in poor form, while their numerous defensive errors leave them vulnerable against prolific opponents. Home support and a favourable head-to-head record could help the Greeks put up a fight, but the team's current condition raises serious doubts.
Real head into the match on a six-game winning streak and with an almost fully fit attacking unit. Mourinho's team have the edge in individual quality and should create enough chances. At the same time, Madrid could make a mistake at the back, so a goal for the hosts should not be ruled out entirely.
