AEK Athens vs Real Madrid pits a side almost perfect at home against one of the Champions League’s most prolific attacks. AEK have been superb at the Allwyn Arena this season, but they face a severe test against free-scoring Madrid in this league-phase clash.
AEK look to their home advantage
AEK have struggled in this season’s league phase, with one win and two defeats. They conceded at least three goals in both losses, so they still have work to do to reach the top 24.
Their struggles away from home against elite European sides are clear, but their home record is impressive. They have lost just one of their last six major European home games (four wins, one draw). Their domestic form at home is even better. They have won all seven games this season, scoring 30 goals and conceding just once.
Madrid in high spirits
Madrid are one of five teams to have won their first three league-phase games. They followed their 2-1 El Clásico win over Barcelona with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Racing Santander on Sunday.
They have scored four times in each of their last two European games. Another win with four or more goals would give them three consecutive Champions League wins of that kind for the first time since 2014.
Goals also seem likely on the road. None of Madrid’s last 34 group or league-phase away games in the competition ended goalless, and they have scored at least twice in each of their last three (two wins, one defeat). Under José Mourinho, they have scored 17 goals in their last five fixtures.
Head-to-head history
AEK have lost just one of their four previous meetings with Madrid (one win, two draws). They are unbeaten in both games they hosted (one win, one draw).
Key stats and streaks
AEK have never won a Champions League game after conceding first (six draws, 15 defeats).
All four of AEK’s European Cup and Champions League home victories came by a 1-0 scoreline (nine draws, six defeats).
Madrid have scored after the 75th minute in all three of their Champions League games this season.
Four of Madrid’s last six away Champions League fixtures produced more than 5.5 goals.
Players to watch and team news
Former Madrid striker Luka Jović scored AEK’s last goal, against PAOK in the Greek Cup last month. Four of his last five club goals came after half-time.
Jude Bellingham is set to break Iker Casillas’ record and become the youngest player to reach 60 Champions League appearances. His goal against Racing on Sunday was his 50th for the club, and his last five have all come before half-time.
AEK goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha missed their weekend defeat to Panathinaikos with a wrist injury.
Federico Valverde was absent for Madrid against Racing with a muscle injury.