Champions League 2025-2026: Olympiacos-Real Madrid, the likely lineups

Real Madrid visits Olympiacos on the fifth day of the Champions League single group stage. Kickoff at 9 p.m. at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium. The Greeks, still winless in Europe, will try to avoid a third consecutive knockout. The Blancos, on the other hand, are seeking redemption after the loss to Liverpool to return to the top eight.

Mendilibar is leaning toward relying on El Kaabi as an offensive reference, although Taremi will challenge him for the starting spot. Behind him should act Martins, Chiquinho and Podence. Mouzakitis-Hezze in midfield, defense headed by the’former Monza man Pirola.

In Real, Bellingham is in doubt: Guler should play in his place, with Vinicius and Brahim Diaz completing the three-quarter, all behind Mbappé’s only point. In midfield Tchouameni with Valverde, between the posts Lunin in place of the unavailable Courtois.

Probable lineups

Olympiacos (4-2-3-1): Tzolakis; Costinha, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega; Mouzakitis, Hezze; Martins, Chiquinho, Podence; El Kaabi. Coach: Mendilibar.

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Carreras, Fran Garcia; Tchouameni, Valverde; Brahim, Guler, Vinicius; Mbappé. Coach: Alonso.