Éder Militão plays first full 90 minutes since injury for Real Madrid

Éder Militão completed his first full 90-minute match for Real Madrid since April, advancing his return from a long-term injury. The Brazilian defender played the entirety of the team’s 3-2 victory against AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, an appearance that head coach José Mourinho described as a calculated risk given the player’s extended recovery period.

Militão had not finished a full competitive game since April 15, 2024, when he faced Bayern Munich. Following a surgical procedure to repair a ruptured proximal hamstring tendon in his left leg, the defender spent 180 days sidelined before making a brief substitute appearance against Sevilla on October 18.

Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the win, Militão acknowledged the physical toll of the match. “I feel very good, but with a lot of pain,” he said. “I am happy to be back and to be able to do what I love so much after six months out, and to be able to play 90 minutes. We all have to be prepared because we have many matches. Mourinho is managing it very well.”

Mourinho confirmed that the decision to start the center-back was not without concern. “We risked a little bit by starting him after such a long time,” Mourinho stated. “Militão had a slightly difficult start in terms of catching the intensity and rhythm of the game, but he stabilized afterward and played a very good match.”

Brazilian international adds depth to defensive rotation

The return of the Brazilian international adds depth to a defensive rotation that has been managed carefully throughout the current campaign. The defender noted that the team's ability to handle a congested schedule remains a priority, stating that the squad must remain ready as the manager rotates personnel to handle the pressure of the fixture list. Internally, competition for minutes in the center of the defense is high, with Rüdiger, Huijsen, and Konaté all vying for positions alongside Militão. While he is expected to gain protagonism gradually, his return offers a boost to the squad’s defensive hierarchy.

Support for Vinícius Júnior

Beyond his own fitness, Militão addressed the current form of his teammate, Vinícius Júnior. Despite the forward’s recent struggles to find the back of the net, Militão expressed confidence in his colleague’s work ethic. “He is a guy who is happy every day,” Militão told TNT. “It is not going as he wants at the moment, but he is a guy who does not stop working. Everyone can see that he keeps trying and trying, and unfortunately the goals are just not coming. But I think he continues to contribute a lot. He is a very important player for us.”

Collective effort in Athens

The match itself saw Real Madrid overcome an early deficit to secure the 3-2 win. Militão praised the team’s resilience, noting that the victory was a result of collective persistence rather than individual effort alone. “The goals were the result of teamwork,” Militão said. “Fede Valverde has scored many goals from outside the box. It may seem easy, but it is not.” He added that the group spirit remained exceptional even after the team fell behind on the scoreboard.

Fantasy football implications

Militão’s return to the starting lineup is being viewed as an important development for users of platforms such as Comunio, Biwenger, LaLiga Fantasy, Mister, and Futmondo. Given his long absence, his market value currently remains lower than his potential peak. Analysts suggest his aerial ability and defensive strength make him a high-value asset for managers looking at the medium term, though caution is advised regarding rotation risks as he continues his recovery.