Real Madrid Announce Travelling Squad to Face AEK Athens on Wednesday

On Wednesday evening (the 4th of November), Real Madrid will be looking to make it seven consecutive wins in all competitions and four from four in the UEFA Champions League, as they take on AEK Athens in the Greek capital. 

A win in this one would essentially guarantee a place in the play off round as a bare minimum, and give the team a very good chance of making the the top eight and qualifying automatically. 

For the task at hand, Real Madrid have officially announced the squad that will be making the trip over to Greece; Courtois, Lunin, Mestre; Alexander-Arnold, Dumfries, Rudiger, Konate, Huijsen, Militao, Carreras, Cucurella; Camavinga, Valverde, Silva, Pitarch, Martinez, Bellingham; Vinicius, Endrick, Mbappe, Espi, Diaz, Diomande. 

Let's take a look at the key talking points. Firstly, neither Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Guler have been called up by Jose Mourinho. But do not worry, there are no injuries, they are simply being rested. We have seen a serious spike in minutes for Guler this season, as well as playing three games with Turkey, so it is important there is not too much physical strain thrust upon him. This feels like a very sensible move from the boss. 

As for Tchouameni, perhaps less so. He did play the full 90 in the last two games, but was an unused sub against RB Leipzig last time out in this competition. So that one does feel a little more strange, and is perhaps one to keep an eye on, but it will probably be all good in the end. 

Meanwhile, Valverde is back involved having missed the win over Racing Club last time out. He played through injury during El Clasico, before being subbed off in the second half, so it felt the right thing to do to not risk him at the weekend. As expected, it was just minor. 

Elsewhere, teenager Sergio Martinez is called up to the first team for the first time since joining the club from the aforementioned Racing Club at the end of the transfer window, following the activation of his release clause. He had actually scored for the first team against Villarreal on match day one of the La Liga season, so it is clear he has some pedigree behind him. Would be cool to see him get some minutes late on in the game. 

So, there we have it, the squad that will be flying to Greece.