Vinicius Junior will be the focus of attention when Real Madrid face AEK Athens in the Champions League on 04 November 2026, with the Brazilian winger looking to rediscover his best form in the city where he produced one of his finest performances last season.
The match comes at a difficult period for Vinicius, whose position in the starting line-up is under increasing pressure after the impressive form of Ivorian forward Diomande. He has also been given an important opportunity to respond in Europe after missing four La Liga matches through suspension.
Vinicius’s previous appearance in Athens came on 26 November 2025, when he inspired Real Madrid to a 4-3 victory over Olympiacos. He delivered an outstanding performance and created two goals for team-mate Kylian Mbappe, including one after a superb dribble past defender Panagiotis Retsos.
A year on, expectations around the Brazilian are markedly different. He has not consistently produced the level of performance expected of him and will be seeking a display against AEK Athens that can restore confidence in his form and status within the team.
Diomande increases competition
Diomande has strengthened his case for a regular starting place by scoring in three of his past four appearances. His goals came against Sevilla, Leipzig and Racing, while he also impressed against Barcelona in the clasico despite failing to score.
Jose Mourinho underlined the competition for places when asked about Vinicius, making clear that any player who wants to retain an undisputed starting position must demonstrate that he deserves it through his performances on the pitch.
Figures reported by Spanish newspaper AS also highlight the difference between the players, particularly when it comes to dribbling and finishing.
Vinicius completes a successful dribble every 28 minutes, compared with one every 25 minutes for Mbappe. Diomande’s rate is significantly higher, with a successful dribble every 17 minutes.
The statistics in front of goal also point to a gap in efficiency. Vinicius needed 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 scored three goals from 25 shots.
Diomande has scored four goals from just 17 attempts, underlining his greater effectiveness in front of goal during the period covered.
Despite the growing challenge, Real Madrid and Mourinho continue to regard Vinicius as one of the team’s most important players and are working to help him return to his usual level. There is also a belief that the squad can find a way to use both players’ qualities, particularly because Diomande is capable of operating on the right wing.
For Vinicius, the immediate task is to reproduce the threat he posed on his last visit to Athens, when he was Real Madrid’s principal attacking danger, as competition for places at the club becomes more intense.
