Real Madrid defeats AEK Athens 3-2 in dramatic Champions League match

Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against AEK Athens in the 4th round of the Champions League at the Allwyn Arena on November 4, 2026. The historic match marked AEK's 100th official game at their new stadium. Despite AEK taking the lead early in the 12th minute through Koita, Real Madrid fought back to survive the intense atmosphere, with Federico Valverde scoring the decisive winning goal during stoppage time.

The context of this encounter highlighted a significant contrast in team preparations. Real Madrid arrived in Athens following roster challenges, missing key players such as Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, Benjamin Mendy, and Raul Asencio, although Valverde and Vinicius Junior were available. For AEK, the match was a major celebration, characterized by a sold-out stadium and high expectations following their historical precedents against the Spanish side.

Simultaneously, in the EuroLeague, Real Madrid's basketball team is preparing to host Panathinaikos for the 10th round on November 4. The Spanish squad faces significant personnel issues, with Facundo Campazzo, Theo Maledon, Michael Jantunen, Gabriel Deck, and Usman Garuba ruled out due to injuries. Panathinaikos, led by Zeljko Obradovic, traveled to Madrid aiming to rebound from two consecutive losses and maintain their lead in the tournament standings, while facing their own minor squad absences.