Real Madrid’s pace can counter AEK Athens power, says Panathinaikos adviser

Miguel Angel Corona expects Real Madrid to face a fiercely passionate atmosphere when they visit AEK Athens in the Champions League on 4 November 2026, but believes the Spanish side’s attacking speed could prove decisive.

Corona, now a sporting adviser to Panathinaikos, has a detailed understanding of both clubs. He came through Real Madrid’s academy before moving to Athens, where he has remained involved with Panathinaikos after spending one season overseeing its technical department.

He told AS: “Exactly one year ago, Rafa Benitez became the team’s coach and I became sporting director. I think we achieved the objectives that had been set. The team was going through an extremely difficult period, but Rafa guided it into European competition and to the last 16, an achievement that had not been reached for 16 years.”

After the club changed direction last summer, Corona agreed to continue working in Athens as a sporting adviser to Panathinaikos and its board.

His position within Greek football has given him a close view of the country’s sporting culture.

“Greek football is extremely intense and very emotional,” he said. “This is a country with a huge passion for sport, and major matches have a massive impact, both in moments of euphoria and celebration and during periods of tension.”

That atmosphere also affects the Greek league, where matches involving the biggest clubs are often officiated by overseas referees. Restrictions are also placed on away supporters attending stadiums.

“The country is making efforts to guarantee security and, from there, to develop and improve football,” Corona added.

Corona expects the Greek title race to involve fewer teams this season than in previous campaigns. His work within Panathinaikos’ administration last year helped the club return to the top of Greek football.

Panathinaikos have not won the league for 16 years but currently lead the table after beating AEK last weekend.

“It seems the contest will be more concentrated between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos,” said Corona. “The economic superiority of those two clubs compared with the rest is also clear.”

He believes AEK are being affected by the demands of Champions League football and by the absence of Pineda, one of their key players.

“For me, he was the team’s spirit,” Corona said. “The main structure is almost the same, with two very strong central defenders and forwards with enormous physical ability, such as Jovic, who has found his place, and Vargas. But the holding midfielder was extremely important to the way the team operated. I think they are feeling his absence a lot.”

Corona also praised AEK sporting director Javier Ribalta, saying: “He is doing an exceptional job.”

The former footballer believes Greek football is stronger than is generally assumed.

“It is clear that the Greek league is not one of Europe’s top five,” he said, “but its level is noticeably higher than the Gulf leagues and even the Turkish league. The standard is very high, especially among the leading teams.”

AEK’s physical strength will provide a significant test for Real Madrid, Corona added, but he sees an important advantage for the visitors.

“They are a team that plays at a very high tempo, both in the rhythm of matches and in physical readiness,” he said. “The two central defenders are extremely strong, and if the two forwards play together, they are difficult to handle because of their physical power. But Real Madrid’s speed in the final third could make the difference.”

Corona expects a memorable occasion in Athens.

“The atmosphere will be incredible,” he said. “On nights like these, Greek football can show the rest of Europe that it has teams, supporters and enormous passion. The fans will respond strongly to the match and the atmosphere will be extremely intense.”

He hopes to watch the game from the stands, with his emotional connection to Real Madrid still strong after coming through the club’s academy.

“I hope I can watch them,” Corona said. “I wish them all the best, not only in this match, but I hope they reach the final and win the trophy.”