Aboutrika mocks Real Madrid after shaky first half against AEK Athens

محمد Aboutrika criticised Real Madrid’s slow start and mocked their defending after the first half of their Champions League league-phase match against AEK Athens.

AEK Athens took the lead in the 12th minute through Aboubakary Koita, who produced an excellent piece of skill to beat Marc Cucurella in a tight area inside the penalty box before firing into the net.

Jude Bellingham equalised for Real Madrid in the 32nd minute, but Aboutrika said the Spanish side had been well below their best during the opening half-hour.

“Cucurella only needs Lamine Yamal,” Aboutrika said with a laugh while analysing the match for beIN Sports. “But here, he is not pressing.”

The former Al Ahly and Egypt forward added: “Real Madrid’s players started the match with an attitude of indulgence, playing carelessly and showing clear complacency. They produced a very poor first 30 minutes.”

Aboutrika also questioned the identity of one Real Madrid player while discussing the team’s defensive performance.

“Who does Denzel Dumfries play for?” he said. “I do not know whether he is playing for Real Madrid or AEK.”

He then turned his attention to the ease with which Real Madrid’s defenders had been beaten by AEK Athens’ attackers.

“Real Madrid’s players are being dribbled past by radio,” Aboutrika said. “Hello, come over here so I can dribble past you. They are being beaten far too easily.”

The match was listed alongside Valencia’s La Liga fixture on 07 November 2026, while Real Madrid’s meeting with AEK Athens was also shown with the Greek Super League fixture involving Levadiakos on 08 November 2026.