Official Lineup.. Diomande decorates Real Madrid's attack against Athens and Diaz on the bench

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Real Madrid and AEK Athens have officially announced their starting lineups for Wednesday's UEFA Champions League Matchday 4 encounter at the Allwyn Arena in Greece with several African internationals featuring in the two teams.

Ivorian winger Yan Diomande has been handed a starting role by Jose Mourinho while Morocco international Brahim Diaz begins the match on the substitutes' bench.

For the Greek hosts, Cameroon defender Harold Moukoudi and Mauritania international Aboubakary Koita have both been included in Marko Nikolic's starting lineup.

The highly anticipated encounter kicks off at 17:45 GMT on 4 November 2026 as Real Madrid look to maintain their perfect start to the Champions League campaign.

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AEK Athens vs Real Madrid: Official starting lineups

AEK Athens starting XI:

• Alberto Brignoli
• Lazaros Rota, Harold Moukoudi, Filipe Relvas, Stavros Pilios
• Kervin Arriaga, Kaan Kairinen, Lovro Majer, Mijat Gacinovic
• Aboubakary Koita, Luka Jovic.

Real Madrid starting XI:

• Thibaut Courtois
• Denzel Dumfries, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Marc Cucurella
• Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva
• Yan Diomande, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior
• Kylian Mbappe

Yan Diomande starts as Brahim Diaz remains on the bench

One of the major talking points in Real Madrid's official lineup is the inclusion of Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande.

The 19 year old has been rewarded with another opportunity to impress after delivering several outstanding performances since joining the Spanish giants.

As Foot Africa previously reported, Diomande scored and provided an assist during Real Madrid's 4-1 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig on 21 October.

His attacking contributions have strengthened his position in Mourinho's plans and the Portuguese coach has now selected him alongside Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe against AEK Athens.

Meanwhile, Moroccan international Brahim Diaz must wait for an opportunity from the substitutes' bench.

The Atlas Lions midfielder has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter this season, with competition for attacking positions becoming increasingly intense.

His inclusion among the substitutes gives Mourinho another creative option as Real Madrid pursue their fourth consecutive Champions League victory.

Moukoudi & Koita lead AEK Athens' African representation

AEK Athens will also have significant African representation in their starting lineup.

Cameroon international Harold Moukoudi has been selected in central defence, where he faces the challenging task of containing Real Madrid's attacking stars.

The experienced defender has established himself as an important member of AEK's squad and will be expected to play a crucial role in protecting goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli.

As previously highlighted, Moukoudi's performances in Greece have attracted interest from several European clubs.

Meanwhile, Mauritania international Aboubakary Koita starts in attack alongside former Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic.

Koita's pace and ability to carry the ball forward could prove important as AEK look to create opportunities against the Spanish giants.

The presence of Diomande, Moukoudi and Koita means three African internationals will start the encounter while Brahim Diaz offers an additional African option from Real Madrid's bench.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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