Real Madrid vs Inter Milan: Champions League Preview, Prediction and Expected Lineups

Madrid: Real Madrid will begin their 2026–27 UEFA Champions League campaign on Tuesday night when they host reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The fixture carries plenty of historical significance, particularly for Real Madrid boss José Mourinho. The Portuguese manager famously guided Inter to Champions League glory at the Bernabéu in 2010, defeating Bayern Munich in the final. Mourinho subsequently joined Real Madrid and is now back at the Spanish giants for a second spell in charge.

Real Madrid, however, will be looking to turn the page on a difficult period in Europe. Since beating Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 Champions League final, Los Blancos have been knocked out at the quarter-final stage in each of the following two seasons. Barcelona have also overtaken them domestically in recent years.

Mourinho suffered his first defeat since returning to the Spanish capital on Friday, with Real Madrid losing to Real Betis. Despite the result, Madrid created enough opportunities to take at least a point from the match, and the performance is unlikely to cause major concern at this early stage of the season.

Still, expectations surrounding the club are enormous, and Mourinho will be eager for an immediate response. A victory over Inter would quickly erase the disappointment of Friday's setback and provide a major boost ahead of a demanding Champions League campaign.

Inter arrive with European experience

Inter Milan enter the contest as reigning Serie A champions and one of Europe's most experienced sides. The Italian club have reached the Champions League final twice during the 2020s, although their last triumph came in 2010 under Mourinho.

Interestingly, current Inter head coach Cristian Chivu was part of Mourinho's treble-winning Inter side. The former Romanian defender will now attempt to outwit his old manager from the opposite dugout.

Inter also appear well placed to defend their Serie A title, making Tuesday's clash an intriguing battle between two clubs with genuine ambitions in Europe and at home.

Head-to-head record

The rivalry between Real Madrid and Inter dates back to 1964, when Inter defeated Madrid 3–1 in the European Cup final.

The two clubs met regularly during the 1960s and 1980s, although their encounters have become less frequent in the 21st century.

Since 2000, however, Real Madrid have dominated the fixture, winning all four meetings between the sides.

Mbappé chasing Champions League history

Kylian Mbappé will be one of the main players to watch at the Bernabéu.

The French forward struck a confident tone during his pre-match press conference and will be determined to respond after a wasteful performance against Real Betis.

Mbappé is also closing in on another Champions League milestone. He has scored 22 goals in 25 Champions League appearances for Real Madrid. Two goals against Inter would see him overtake club legend Raúl in the competition's all-time scoring standings and move into fifth place.

Real Madrid team news

Mourinho faces several selection problems ahead of the Champions League opener.

Ferland Mendy is not included in Real Madrid's Champions League squad, while Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Güler are unavailable through suspension. Aurélien Tchouaméni is also dealing with a muscle injury.

Éder Militão is nearing a return after recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered in April, but he is not expected to start against Inter. Ibrahima Konaté is therefore expected to partner Dean Huijsen in central defence.

Denzel Dumfries could be preferred to Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, while Yan Diomande is pushing for his first start for the club.

Endrick, Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio are also unavailable, although young midfielder Thiago Pitarch could return to the matchday squad.

Real Madrid predicted lineup

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Bellingham; Diomande, Díaz, Vinícius Jr; Mbappé.

Inter team news

Inter will be without Federico Dimarco after the Italian defender suffered an injury during Saturday's dramatic victory over Napoli.

Although Dimarco is not expected to be sidelined for an extended period, Chivu is unlikely to risk him at the Bernabéu, with Carlos Augusto capable of filling the position.

Andy Diouf has started the season as Inter's right wing-back, while several players are expected to begin the match on the bench.

Marcus Thuram could also be handed a starting role after making an impressive impact as a substitute against Napoli. The French striker could replace young forward Pio Esposito and partner Lautaro Martínez in attack.

Prediction

Real Madrid's home advantage and their impressive recent head-to-head record make them slight favourites, but Inter's European experience means this should be a closely contested encounter.

Mourinho will be desperate to make a winning return to Champions League football at the Bernabéu, while Chivu will be equally determined to claim a statement victory over his former manager.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2–1 Inter Milan.

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