Vinicius Junior looks to rekindle Athens form as Real Madrid competition intensifies

Vinicius Junior will be under close scrutiny when Real Madrid face AEK Athens in the Champions League on 4 November 2026, with the Brazil winger aiming to rediscover the form he showed on his previous visit to the Greek capital.

The match comes during a difficult spell for Vinicius, whose position in the starting line-up is facing increasing competition from Diomande. The Ivorian has impressed in recent weeks and is emerging as a serious rival for a regular place in the Real Madrid team.

Vinicius’s last appearance in Athens came on 26 November 2025, when he played a decisive role in Real Madrid’s 4-3 victory over Olympiacos. He produced an outstanding performance and created two goals for Kylian Mbappe, including one after an excellent dribble past defender Panagiotis Retsos.

His circumstances are very different this time. The Brazil international has not reached the level expected of him and must use the meeting with AEK Athens as an opportunity to restore his influence. The Champions League offers an important chance to respond after he missed four La Liga matches through suspension.

Diomande increases the pressure

Diomande has scored in three of his past four matches, finding the net against Sevilla, Leipzig and Racing. He also produced a strong display against Barcelona in El Clasico, despite failing to score.

Jose Mourinho made clear that Vinicius cannot assume his place is guaranteed. When asked about the Brazilian, Mourinho said any player wanting to retain an undisputed starting position must demonstrate that claim through his level and performances on the pitch.

Figures reported by Spanish newspaper AS underline the difference between Vinicius and his current rivals, particularly in dribbling and finishing.

Vinicius completes a successful dribble once every 28 minutes, compared with once every 25 minutes for Kylian Mbappe. Diomande’s rate is significantly higher, with one successful dribble every 17 minutes.

The contrast in front of goal is also notable. Vinicius required 27 shots to score his only goal against Real Sociedad in August. Jude Bellingham scored four times from the same number of attempts, while Arda Guler converted three of 25 shots.

Diomande has scored four goals from 17 attempts, highlighting his greater efficiency in attack during this period.

Despite the growing competition, Real Madrid and Mourinho continue to regard Vinicius as one of the team’s key players and are working to help him recover his usual form. They also believe there are ways to use both players effectively, particularly because Diomande is capable of operating on the right wing.

For Vinicius, the immediate challenge is to reproduce the performance that made him Real Madrid’s principal threat on his previous trip to Athens, with competition for places at the club now more intense than ever.