Real Madrid wait on Valverde before AEK Athens
Mourinho says he is 'not a stubborn coach' after a tactical overhaul sparked six straight wins, with Vinicius Junior returning for Athens under pressure to win back his place from Yan Diomande.
Racing's anger in the 3-0 defeat centred on a disputed penalty for Mbappe at 0-0, with Inigo Vicente shouting at the fourth official as frustration boiled over.
After Tchouameni's stray shot hit a young Racing fan in Real Madrid's 3-0 win, he apologised with a signed shirt and Mbappe joked: 'Tchouameni doesn't know how to shoot!'.
Marc Cucurella could face criticism after cameras caught him sarcastically applauding an assistant referee during Madrid's controversial 3-0 win at Racing.
Real Madrid have confirmed Maurizio Mariani for AEK Athens. The Italian has overseen two Champions League wins and one defeat for Madrid in his previous three matches.
Dean Huijsen has bounced back from his Atletico error to become one of Real Madrid's most reliable defenders, impressing against Racing and Barcelona with growing confidence.
Mourinho hailed Trent Alexander-Arnold's 'masterclass' against Santander and reports say neither the defender nor Real Madrid are considering a January exit amid Liverpool links.
AEK Athens head into facing Real Madrid after a 2-0 derby defeat to Panathinaikos, their first Greek league loss of the season despite playing the last 20 minutes against 10 men.
Racing Santander could be fined after a lighter was thrown near the assistant referee during Real Madrid's 3-0 win, following VAR's review of a Tchouameni handball appeal.
Valverde is a doubt for AEK Athens after a hamstring issue, while Rodrygo, Mendy and Raul Asencio remain out. Vinicius Junior is available and Madrid have no suspensions.
Jorge Mendes says many doubted Bernardo Silva would reach the top, but the Portugal star defied that scepticism to become one of his country's leading players.
Courtois praised Andriy Lunin, saying the backup goalkeeper 'won us El Clasico' after his decisive display against Barcelona before Madrid beat Racing.
Mourinho defended VAR overturning Racing's late penalty, said Tchouameni's handball was 'never a penalty', praised Madrid's progress after the 3-0 win and explained his limited changes.
Courtois matched Miguel Ángel on 346 Real Madrid appearances against Racing, moving joint-third among the club's goalkeepers behind only Casillas and Buyo.
Real Madrid's 3-0 win at Racing made it six straight victories, with Mourinho's midfield tweak - using Arda Guler or Bernardo Silva and Valverde at right-back - key to their fluency.
Jude Bellingham praised Yan Diomande's strike, welcomed Madrid's clean sheet and said the focus after a sixth straight win is on AEK Athens and then Valencia.
Real Madrid do not plan to sign anyone in January, with the hierarchy backing Mourinho's squad. Departures could happen only if a player asks to leave.
Reports say Mourinho wants Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori as a 'dream' Real Madrid signing, valuing his left-back and centre-back versatility despite Marc Cucurella's role.
