Valverde saves Real Madrid after Mourinho’s tactical gamble in Athens

Real Madrid extended their winning run to seven matches after Federico Valverde helped secure a 3-2 victory over AEK Athens in Greece, but the result again exposed several decisions by manager Jose Mourinho that left the Spanish side close to dropping points.

The match took place at Aya Sofya on Wednesday in the fourth round of the UEFA Champions League league phase. Real Madrid’s latest success followed their 1-2 defeat by Atletico Madrid in La Liga on 20 September.

It was also their fourth consecutive win in the Champions League, moving them second in the league phase with 12 points. They trail holders Paris Saint-Germain only on goal difference.

Real Madrid have now become the first Spanish side to win their opening four Champions League matches since the league phase was introduced in the 2024-2025 season before last.

However, their progress in Athens was put at risk by a series of tactical choices, particularly Mourinho’s decision to restore Vinicius Junior to the starting line-up on the left wing.

Real Madrid had appeared more effective without the Brazilian in their previous matches. His return also forced Ivorian winger Yan Diomande to switch to the right, despite his impressive displays on the left in recent games.

Neither player operated at his best in the new arrangement. Vinicius failed to justify his selection on the left, while Diomande was unable to reproduce his previous form on the opposite flank, leaving Real Madrid short of attacking threat on both wings.

Mourinho nevertheless kept Vinicius on the pitch for as long as possible, at Diomande’s expense. When he eventually sought to repair the attack, he replaced Diomande with Endrick in an attempt to improve the right side, leaving Vinicius in place on the left in the hope that he would find his rhythm.

A more effective solution would have been to make one change that addressed both problems: introduce Endrick for Vinicius and return Diomande to his preferred position on the left.

The manager also made significant alterations to the defence, changing three of the four players who had started the previous match against Racing in La Liga.

Denzel Dumfries was selected at right-back instead of Alexander-Arnold, while the central-defensive pairing of Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate was replaced by Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger.

That decision revived memories among Real Madrid supporters of the mistakes made by the same partnership last season and at the start of the current campaign. Their errors had previously threatened to cause serious damage to the team.

Another issue Mourinho must address is how to replace Arda Guler when the Turkey international is rested. Guler was left out against AEK Athens, but Real Madrid lacked another player capable of linking the lines and controlling the tempo in the same way.

The team lost its balance at several points during the match. Bernardo Silva may be able to perform that role, but he was unable to do so in Greece, raising questions about whether he can provide the same control in future matches.