Mourinho warns Real Madrid of tough Champions League test at AEK, reveals Vini return

Los Blancos head into the fixture in good form after winning their last ten consecutive matches in all competitions including all three previous league phase matches in Europe.

However, Mourinho is expecting a difficult match at the Allywn Arena in Athens against a side that has lost their last two consecutive Champions League fixtures, while suffering a Greece Cup exit to PAOK and losing to Panantanaikos in their last league match.

"The game will be tough for many reasons," explained the Portuguese coach at the pre-match press conference.

"They are the champions [of Greece], and we've faced many champions in this series of eight games. Greece, traditionally, is a tough place to play.

"Even Real Madrid, the kings of Europe, have only won one of their eight games in Greece, if I'm not mistaken, and with a challenging result last season. I think, as everyone does, that they see their home games as their best opportunity to earn points, and they'll fight for it.

"For us, it's an honour, but it's reality, and we expect a tough match. To win it, we have to be at our best. If we're not, we won't win."

Mourinho also responded to a question regarding the return of Brazilian star winger Vinicius Jr, while also mentioning a few other players who may feature against AEK.

"He [Vini Jr] plays tomorrow," confirmed the 63-year-old.

"You're forgetting Brahim [Diaz], Endrick. We have a lot of players there with quality. For me, having many players is never a problem. The problem is having too few.

"Diomande and Brahim are players who can play on both wings. Endrick, more on the right but also on the left. Of all of them, Vini is the player best adapted to playing on the left wing."

Mourinho also confirmed the absence of Turkey midfielder Arda Guler, whom he expects to be available for their next La Liga clash against Valencia on Saturday.

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