Manchester city aek

On 18 October 2026, Manchester City and AEK Athens officially announced that they will face each other in a high-profile friendly match scheduled for the upcoming winter break. The exhibition game is set to take place at the OPAP Arena in Athens, providing both clubs with a valuable opportunity to maintain match fitness during the mid-season hiatus. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed enthusiasm about the trip, noting that the encounter serves as a strategic part of the team's preparation for the second half of the Premier League campaign. AEK Athens officials highlighted the prestige of hosting the English champions, viewing the event as a significant celebration for their supporters. The match is expected to draw a capacity crowd, with both clubs planning to field strong squads to test their tactical setups against international opposition. This fixture marks a rare meeting between the two sides, fostering a positive relationship between the clubs as they look to engage with global fanbases during the busy football calendar.