Vinicius takes the armband as Mourinho makes changes for Real Madrid’s AEK Athens clash

Jose Mourinho has named a Real Madrid side featuring the return of Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao for Wednesday evening’s Champions League league-phase meeting with AEK Athens.

Vinicius comes back into the starting line-up after missing Real Madrid’s recent La Liga fixtures through a domestic suspension. The Brazil forward will also wear the captain’s armband at the Santiago Bernabeu.

His return continues his involvement in the club’s European campaign. Vinicius also started Real Madrid’s third-round league-phase match against German side RB Leipzig.

Militao is included for the first time in a prolonged period after recovering from injury. The Brazilian defender partners Antonio Rudiger at centre-back as Mourinho makes further changes to his defence.

Fede Valverde has been left out of the starting XI, with Mourinho opting to rest the captain after using him at right-back throughout the recent run of matches. Netherlands international Denzel Dumfries starts on the right side instead.

Real Madrid begin the fourth round of the league phase in fifth place with nine points. Victory would allow them to move into contention with leaders Paris Saint-Germain, who have a perfect record.

The starting line-up selected by Mourinho is:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois.

Defenders: Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella.

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva, Jude Bellingham.

Forwards: Yan Diomande, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe.

The selection gives Vinicius the opportunity to return to domestic action in Europe after serving his suspension in Spain, while Militao’s inclusion provides another option in central defence alongside Rudiger.

Mourinho has also chosen a midfield featuring Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Jude Bellingham behind a front three of Yan Diomande, Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe.

The match forms part of Wednesday’s Champions League schedule, with Real Madrid seeking to strengthen their position in the competition’s league table against Greek opponents AEK Athens.

The fixture information also lists Valencia in La Liga on 07 November 2026. Real Madrid and AEK Athens are listed for 08 November 2026 under the Greek Super League, alongside Levadiakos.