Madrid in Athens: Courtois Sick, Alonso's Test Against Olympiakos

Pre-match setback for Madrid

Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid's head coach, faced an unexpected blow ahead of the highly anticipated clash with Olympiakos in Athens, on Wednesday, in the fifth matchday of the Champions League group stage.

Courtois out? illness casts doubt

According to Marca, the Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left Real Madrid's training complex at Valdebebas before the session began, casting doubt on his participation in the Greek capital.

The report states Courtois is suffering from a severe stomach and intestinal infection, which prevented him from taking part in the final training before travel, complicating his availability for the European fixture.

Initial indicators suggest Courtois won't travel with the squad heading to Athens tonight, effectively ruling him out of the match.

Nevertheless, Real Madrid is monitoring his condition closely in case a rapid improvement opens the door to a late return, though this scenario seems unlikely for now.

A high-risk clash

Madrid face a high-stakes test against Olympiakos at a delicate moment this season. The team have played three matches without a win, prompting questions about their readiness on both domestic and continental fronts.

They have not tasted victory either in La Liga or in Europe since a 4-0 win over Valencia earlier in the month, after a defeat at Anfield to Liverpool in the Champions League.

Following the international break, Real Madrid drew 0-0 with Rayo Vallecano, then 2-2 with Elche.

A negative historic record in Athens

Reports indicate that the Athens trip does not carry positive omens for the Madrid side. Real Madrid has not won in the Greek capital in seven official matches against Panathinaikos, AEK, and Olympiakos, ending with five draws and two defeats.

Against Olympiakos specifically, Madrid have played four meetings in Athens, producing three draws and one loss, with the most recent encounter in the Champions League group stage in the 2007-2008 season finishing 0-0.

In the Champions League standings, Real Madrid sit seventh in the group with nine points, while Olympiakos occupy the bottom with two points.

Domestically, Madrid have climbed to 32 points in La Liga, leading the table by one point over Barcelona.

Alonso will need to balance attack and defense, especially as Olympiakos looks to exploit any defensive weakness.

The Athens fixture will be a true test of the players’ mentality and tactical discipline, potentially deciding group position and adding immense pressure to the solitary mission of securing a superior result.

Alonso’s quotes and tactical notes

After the 2-2 draw with Elche, Alonso said: "After a good run of results, we hit a period where we did not get what we wanted. We know what we strive for and we must move forward without hesitation. We are not satisfied, this club demands only victories, but the road is still long."

He added in response to criticism over the results: "The team did not collapse. We continue to compete, and we know every match is played in a different context. Yes, results matter, but the spirit shown by the players is positive. In Real Madrid we live with pressure and criticism and we know how to respond."

Alonso emphasized the cohesion within the squad: "Communication is improving day by day. We have spent more time together, and our understanding of each other has grown. We go through everything as a unit, celebrating wins and hurting together after setbacks. We must translate this feeling into a strong push before Olympiakos."

Alternative options and lineup notes

Alonso defended the deployment of Fran Garcia in an unusual position: "This role isn’t new to him. We wanted more width on the flanks and a different shape to the play. It’s unfortunate that immediately after the draw we conceded, despite the moment leaning in our favour to come back in the score."

Regarding Vinicius Junior, who started on the bench again, he said: "I’m not worried. I’ve spoken with Vinicius a lot, and he knows his role well. We’ve used this approach in other matches. All players have the desire and energy to restore positive momentum."

Alonso underlined what most concerned him during the game: "After the equaliser, we lacked the continuity to sustain the press. In the first half the team prepared well for the build-up. The players didn’t give up, but we were missing the decisive push at the right moment."

Options and risk

He also defended giving a chance to alternate strategies, aiming to widen the play and adjust the balance after the equaliser.

Humor finally lands

Punchline time: If the crossbar had a union, it’d demand a raise—Madrid keeps hitting it anyway. And a second one: Real Madrid’s defense is so well-trained that when it collapses, it does so with style; call it a tactical nap.