olympiacos vs real madrid

Real Madrid Navigates Injury Crisis as Xabi Alonso Takes Charge of Champions League Clash Against Olympiacos

By CA Sports Desk
Updated: November 26, 2025

Real Madrid's journey through the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League campaign has taken a dramatic turn as the club faces a critical juncture in their European ambitions. The Merengues are set to face Olympiacos at the historic Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, Greece, in what promises to be a pivotal match for both teams in the league phase of the competition.

The significance of this encounter extends far beyond a typical group stage fixture. With Real Madrid currently enduring a rare dip in form—having gone three consecutive matches without a victory—the pressure is mounting on new head coach Xabi Alonso to stabilize the ship. The match against Olympiacos represents not just an opportunity to secure crucial points, but a test of the team's resilience and depth amid mounting injury concerns.

The Injury Crisis: A Defensive Puzzle for Alonso

According to verified reports from multiple trusted sources, Real Madrid is dealing with significant defensive setbacks ahead of this crucial European encounter. The most notable absence is star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has been sidelined along with promising defender Dean Huijsen, as confirmed by theScore.com.

The absence of Courtois cannot be overstated. The Belgian international has been a cornerstone of Real Madrid's defensive solidity since his arrival, and his replacement will face immense pressure in what is expected to be a hostile atmosphere in Piraeus. The defensive complications don't end there, with reports from the Toronto Star confirming that Los Blancos are dealing with multiple defensive injury concerns for this Champions League fixture.

Confirmed Starting Lineup: Surprises and Strategic Adjustments

The official starting XI for Real Madrid's clash against Olympiacos has been confirmed, and it reveals Xabi Alonso's tactical approach to this challenging fixture. According to Yahoo Sports, the Merengues will field a lineup that includes several notable decisions.

Perhaps the most talked-about omission is Jude Bellingham, who has been benched for this crucial encounter. This decision, confirmed by multiple reports including coverage from AS USA, represents a significant strategic choice by Alonso, who is looking to freshen up his squad after a difficult run of form.

The confirmed lineup demonstrates Alonso's intent to balance experience with the need for rotation, particularly given the defensive injury crisis. The team will need to adapt to playing without their first-choice goalkeeper and several key defensive options, making this a true test of squad depth.

Olympiacos: The Greek Giants Seeking Redemption

While much of the focus has been on Real Madrid's struggles, Olympiacos represents a formidable opponent, particularly on their home turf. The Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium has been a fortress for the Greek champions, and they will be eager to capitalize on Real Madrid's current vulnerability.

Olympiacos enters this match with their own ambitions in the Champions League league phase. The Greek side has historically been difficult to break down at home, and with Real Madrid's defensive complications, they will see this as a prime opportunity to secure a memorable victory against one of Europe's elite clubs.

The atmosphere in Piraeus is expected to be electric, with passionate home supporters creating an intimidating environment for any visiting team. For a Real Madrid side lacking confidence, this hostile setting could prove to be an additional challenge beyond the tactical and personnel issues they already face.

Historical Context: Real Madrid's Greek Odyssey

Real Madrid's relationship with Greek opposition in European competition has been relatively limited but generally positive. However, the Merengues have never won a game in their previous visits to Greece, according to supplementary research—a statistic that will either serve as motivation or add pressure to an already tense situation.

This historical context becomes particularly relevant when considering the current circumstances. A team already struggling for form, dealing with injuries, and traveling to a venue where they've historically found difficulties represents a perfect storm of challenges for Xabi Alonso's side.

The broader implications extend beyond just this single match. Real Madrid's position in the Champions League league phase is still developing, and every point will be crucial as the competition progresses toward the knockout stages. For a club with Real Madrid's expectations, failing to secure a positive result against Olympiacos could significantly complicate their path forward.

The Xabi Alonso Era: Early Tests and Pressure Points

Xabi Alonso's appointment as Real Madrid's head coach represented a new chapter for the club, bringing in a former player with deep understanding of the club's culture and expectations. However, this Champions League fixture against Olympiacos comes at a critical moment in his early tenure.

The pressure on Alonso is multifaceted. Not only must he navigate the immediate challenge of securing a vital European away result, but he must also manage the expectations that come with leading one of the world's most prestigious football clubs. The decision to bench Bellingham, while potentially pragmatic given the need for rotation, also demonstrates Alonso's willingness to make bold calls when he believes it's in the team's best interest.

Alonso's tactical approach will be closely scrutinized. Without Courtois and with defensive injuries limiting his options, he'll need to organize his team to be compact and disciplined against an Olympiacos side that will likely look to exploit any vulnerabilities.

Immediate Impact and Strategic Considerations

The current situation has significant implications for Real Madrid's broader campaign. In the Champions League's new league phase format, every match carries substantial weight, and dropping points against Olympiacos could leave Los Blancos with ground to make up in subsequent fixtures.

From a squad management perspective, the injury crisis forces Alonso to utilize his depth, which could have knock-on effects for domestic competitions. The need to rotate and protect players while still competing on multiple fronts is one of the classic challenges of managing a top European club.

There's also the psychological aspect to consider. A team's confidence can be fragile during a difficult run, and the Champions League often provides the stage for memorable comebacks or devastating setbacks. For Real Madrid, securing a positive result in Greece could serve as a catalyst for renewed momentum across all competitions.

Looking Ahead: What This Match Means for Real Madrid's Season

As the 2025-26 season progresses, this fixture against Olympiacos could be viewed as a defining moment in Real Madrid's campaign. The outcome will provide clear indicators about the team's resilience, the effectiveness of Alonso's management, and the squad's ability to compete when key personnel are unavailable.

The challenges facing Real Madrid are not insurmountable. The club possesses immense quality throughout its roster, and players stepping into the lineup will have the opportunity to prove their worth on Europe's biggest stage. The absence of established stars often provides platforms for emerging talents or fringe players to stake their claim.

For Olympiacos, this represents a golden opportunity to make a statement against a wounded giant. A victory would not only boost their league phase position but also send a message to the rest of European football about their capabilities.

The Stakes Could Not Be Higher

As kickoff approaches in Piraeus, the narrative surrounding this match is clear: Real Madrid faces one of its most important early tests under Xabi Alonso's leadership. The combination of a three-game winless run, significant defensive injuries, and the intimidating atmosphere of the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium creates a challenge that will reveal much about the character of this current Real Madrid side.

Whether this match becomes a turning point for a resurgent campaign or another chapter in a difficult season will depend on how Alonso's team responds to adversity. One thing is certain: the eyes of the football world will be watching as Real Madrid attempts to navigate this crucial Champions League encounter and keep their European ambitions on track.

The results of this match will reverberate through the remainder of Real Madrid's season, potentially shaping perceptions of Alonso's early tenure and the club's direction under his leadership. For now, all eyes remain fixed on Piraeus, where Real Madrid must confront both their opposition and their own demons in what promises to be a captivating Champions League showdown.