Key Takeaways (TL;DR):
- Real Madrid are missing several key defenders including Thibaut Courtois, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Dean Huijsen.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold starts at right-back for Madrid.
- Aurélien Tchouaméni may re-enter the lineup at center back.
- Vinícius Júnior, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde return to the starting XI.
- Olympiacos are without Alexandros Paschalakis, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Konstantinos Angelakis.
- Olympiacos are winless in Europe and have struggled against top teams this season.
- Real Madrid seek to end their recent winless streak in the Champions League.
Overview
The Champions League match between Olympiacos and Real Madrid takes place at the Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, Greece on Wednesday, Nov. 26, kicking off at 12 p.m. GMT. Real Madrid come into the game needing a win following a defeat to Liverpool and draws with Rayo Vallecano and Elche, which have hurt their standing in the Champions League group phase.
Olympiacos, despite a strong domestic record aided by striker Ayoub El Kaabi, have been without European success this season, managing draws and losses but no wins. Their defensive injuries might give hope for scoring, but Madrid’s experienced and powerful attack led by Vinícius and Kylian Mbappé is favored to prevail.
- Fixture: Olympiacos vs Real Madrid
- Competition: UEFA Champions League
- Venue: Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus, Greece
- Date: Wednesday, 26 November 2025
- Kick-off: 12:00 GMT / 8:00 ET / 3:00 PT
- Referee: Michael Oliver (ENG)
Predicted Lineup
Olympiacos (4-2-3-1):
Tzolakis, Rodinei, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega, Hezze, García Attacking, Martins, Chiquinho, Podence, El Kaabi
Real Madrid CF (4-3-2-1):
Andriy Lunin, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Raúl Asencio, Carreras, Arda Güler, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé
Injury Report
Olympiacos
- Alexandros Paschalakis
- Bruno Onyemaechi
- Konstantinos Angelakis – unavailable
Real Madrid CF
- Thibaut Courtois (illness)
- Dean Huijsen
- Éder Militão
- Antonio Rüdiger
- David Alaba (injury)
Analysis Report
Real Madrid face defensive challenges with multiple absences, notably at goalkeeper and center back. Backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin will debut this season. However, the return of key midfielders and wingers like Vinícius Júnior and Valverde bolsters their offensive threat, led by the talented attacking duo of Vinícius and Mbappé.
Olympiacos, relying on Moroccan forward El Kaabi’s goal-scoring prowess, will capitalize on Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities and home advantage but face a tough task given Madrid’s superior squad depth and quality. The clash is expected to be hard-fought, but Madrid’s attacking firepower is likely to edge them to a narrow victory.