Real Madrid vs Inter Milan: Champions League Clash Preview and Team Updates

The Champions League group stage begins with Real Madrid hosting Serie A champions Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid on Tuesday, September 8, kicking off at 9pm local time (19:00 GMT). Coverage starts from 16:00 GMT with live text commentary available.

Background and Mourinho’s Return

When Jose Mourinho moved from Inter Milan to Real Madrid in 2010, he was riding high after delivering a historic treble for Inter. That season, Inter clinched the Serie A title late, won the Coppa Italia, and defeated Bayern Munich 2-0 in the Champions League final held at Real's own stadium — the Bernabeu. It marked Inter’s first European triumph since 1965 and made them the first Italian club to complete the treble. Mourinho left Inter shortly after that victory and began his first spell with Real Madrid.

Now, sixteen years later, Mourinho has returned to Madrid for a second term and will open their European campaign against his former club Inter.

Mourinho on Pressure and Expectations

Mourinho insists there is no pressure linked to his previous tenure at Real Madrid, especially regarding the Champions League trophy, which eluded him during his first stint. He described the two spells as separate chapters, emphasizing the progress Real Madrid has made over the past decade with six Champions League wins.

Following Real Madrid's recent 1-0 defeat by Real Betis in La Liga — Mourinho’s first setback of this tenure — the coach stressed the importance of stability and structure as the team looks to achieve success.

Mbappe on Team Dynamics and Improvement

At the pre-match press event, star forward Kylian Mbappe was asked about his relationship with Vinicius Jr and the locker room atmosphere. Mbappe said things remain consistent with last year despite a new coach. He admitted the squad needs to sharpen its finishing and acknowledged personal areas for improvement.

Recent Form

Real Madrid’s Last Match

In their latest outing, Real Madrid lost 1-0 to Real Betis. Mbappe missed a penalty late in the game, while Vinicius Jr struck the post earlier. Despite several chances, Madrid struggled to break down Betis, who scored nine minutes from time through Troy Parrott, securing an upset.

Inter’s Last Match

Inter Milan staged a dramatic comeback to beat Napoli 3-2. Down by two goals early in the second half, Lautaro Martinez spearheaded the recovery with two crucial goals, including a late winner in stoppage time, sealing a thrilling victory for the Serie A champions.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total meetings: 19
• Real Madrid wins: 10
• Inter wins: 7
• Draws: 2

Inter have not beaten Real Madrid since 1998, when Roberto Baggio scored twice in a 3-1 win.

• Dec 07, 2021: Real Madrid 2-0 Inter Milan (Champions League)
• Sep 15, 2021: Inter Milan 0-1 Real Madrid (Champions League)
• Nov 25, 2020: Inter Milan 0-2 Real Madrid (Champions League)
• Nov 03, 2020: Real Madrid 3-2 Inter Milan (Champions League)
• Nov 25, 1998: Inter Milan 3-1 Real Madrid (Champions League)

Team News

Real Madrid

• Suspended: Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva
• Injured and out: Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio
• Fitness tests ongoing: Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch, Endrick, Marc Cucurella (all back in training)

Predicted Starting XI: Courtois (GK); Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Bellingham, Valverde; Diomande, Diaz, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe

Inter Milan

• Unavailable: Federico Dimarco (knee injury), Djed Spence (fitness recovery)

Predicted Starting XI: Josep Martinez (GK); Bastoni, Bisseck, Akanji; Diouf, Barella, Jones, Calhanoglu, Augusto; Lautaro Martinez, Thuram

Prediction

The Opta supercomputer favors Real Madrid with a 56% chance of winning, while Inter have a 22.3% likelihood of victory.