Real Madrid have travelled to Greece to face AEK Athens in the Champions League, hoping to extend their winning run to seven.
Los Blancos have seen their fortunes turn in recent weeks, with Mourinho’s tactical tweaks helping the team play some very good football.
However, Madrid’s opponents tonight, AEK Athens, have been virtually unstoppable at home this season.
AEK Athens boast remarkable home record
AEK Athens have won all seven of their home matches across all competitions, scoring 30 goals and conceding just one.
Those numbers show exactly why Los Blancos cannot afford to underestimate the challenge of their trip to Greece.
Their attacking numbers deserve further attention. AEK are averaging more than four goals per game while proving to be defensively resolute.
AEK Athens have been perfect at home so far this season. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
However, their overall Champions League record has not been as promising. They began with a 1-0 victory over LASK at home.
The Greek side have since suffered consecutive away defeats against Shakhtar Donetsk and Manchester City, conceding eight goals in those two fixtures.
This suggests that AEK are much more comfortable playing in their own backyard than travelling elsewhere.
Jose Mourinho’s rotation plans could spice up the fixture
Despite facing opponents who have been unstoppable at home, Jose Mourinho is planning to ring the changes tonight.
Los Blancos come into this game having won their opening three Champions League games against Inter Milan, Roma and RB Leipzig.
Eduardo Camavinga is set to start against AEK Athens. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Thus, Mourinho is set to use this opportunity to make several changes to his starting line-up, with Eduardo Camavinga, Alvaro Carreras and Antonio Rudiger set to start.
With a heavily rotated XI, Real Madrid risk lacking the chemistry of their regular starters, and this could play into AEK Athens’ hands.
There is also a historical warning: AEK have never lost a home match against Real Madrid, recording one victory and one draw in their previous two meetings in Athens.
Without a doubt, Los Blancos possess superior individual quality, but they cannot take this game for granted.
Tonight will be an opportunity for the fringe players to convince Mourinho that he can trust them, and it remains to be seen how Real Madrid fare against AEK Athens.
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