Real Madrid is set to return to Champions League action tonight, facing Olympiacos at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Athens. This highly anticipated match, kicking off at 9 pm CET, marks Real Madrid’s first visit to this venue in 18 years. As the competition reaches its halfway point, Real Madrid currently sits seventh in the group, level on points with the two teams directly above them, making this a pivotal encounter for their advancement hopes.
Real Madrid’s Quest for Victory
This fixture is particularly significant for Real Madrid, as it represents their fourth consecutive away game. Following this Champions League clash, Xabi Alonso’s squad still has two more away matches in the League: against Girona at Montilivi on Sunday, and then against Athletic Club at San Mamés three days later. With a current record of three wins and one defeat in the Champions League, Real Madrid is determined to secure their fourth victory in the competition.
Head coach Xabi Alonso emphasized the importance of the match in his pre-game press conference, stating, “It’s an important match for the table and we have to play well.” Assistant coach Carreras echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team’s winning mentality: “We go to every stadium hungry to win and showing character.”
For this crucial game, Real Madrid welcomes back Tchouameni to the squad. However, they will be without several key players due to injury, including Courtois, Huijsen, Alaba, Rüdiger, Carvajal, Mastantuono, and Militão. The absence of these players will undoubtedly test the depth and resilience of the squad.
Olympiacos: A Formidable Opponent at Home
Olympiacos enters this match in excellent form, boasting an impressive six-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. During this period, they have secured five victories – four in their domestic league and one in the cup – and earned a valuable 1-1 draw against PSV in the Champions League. They currently lead their league and have proven to be a formidable opponent at home in the Champions League, having recorded two draws in their first phase home games. Their away record in the competition, however, stands at two defeats.
The Greek side’s attacking threat is spearheaded by Moroccan striker Ayoub Kaabi, who has been in prolific form this season. Kaabi has featured in 16 of Olympiacos’s 17 matches and is their leading scorer with a remarkable 10 goals: nine in the league and one in the Champions League. His ability to find the back of the net will be a key factor for Olympiacos as they look to maintain their unbeaten home record in the competition.
Match Context and Implications
This match holds significant implications for both teams’ Champions League aspirations. For Real Madrid, a win would strengthen their position in the group and bring them closer to securing a spot in the knockout stages. For Olympiacos, maintaining their unbeaten home record and potentially securing a victory against a European giant like Real Madrid would be a massive boost to their campaign.
The Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium is expected to provide a passionate atmosphere, with Olympiacos fans known for their fervent support. Real Madrid will need to be at their best to overcome the challenges posed by a confident Olympiacos side, especially given their impressive home form. The tactical battle between Xabi Alonso’s strategic approach and Olympiacos’s determination will be a key aspect to watch.
Football enthusiasts can anticipate a compelling contest as both teams vie for crucial points in their Champions League journey. The outcome of this match could significantly impact the standings in Group C, making it a must-watch event for fans of European football.
Source: https://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/news/football/first-team/fixtures/olympiacos-real-madrid-a-por-la-victoria-en-atenas-26-11-2025
