Real Madrid vs Inter Milan: Champions League Clash Preview and Team Updates
Real Madrid will face Inter Milan in the Champions League group stage at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, September 8, kicking off at 9pm (19:00 GMT). This fixture marks a significant moment for Jose Mourinho, who begins his second tenure at Real Madrid against the Serie A champions.
Mourinho's Return to Bernabeu Against Former Club
When Mourinho left Inter Milan in 2010 after leading them to a historic treble—including the Champions League title at this very stadium—he was at his career peak. That victory was Inter’s first European Cup since 1965 and made them the first Italian team to win the treble. Shortly afterward, he joined Real Madrid. Sixteen years later, Mourinho now starts anew with Madrid, aiming to bring success in Europe's premier competition.
Mourinho’s Perspective on Pressure
Despite not winning the Champions League during his first spell at Madrid, Mourinho insists there is no burden from the past. He said, “No, it is two different spells. When I left in 2013, we won what we won and lost what we lost and we gave it our all. And that was that. What I need to do now has nothing to do with the past.”He noted the progress of Real Madrid since his last tenure, pointing out their six Champions League trophies in just over a decade. Stability remains the focus, saying, “So Real Madrid need to reach that stability that is so important to achieve something great. But Real Madrid are Real Madrid, you need to win here no matter what.”
Team Atmosphere and Player Comments
Kylian Mbappe addressed questions about the team's chemistry, especially his relationship with Vinicius Jr. He dismissed rumors of discord, stating, “It’s the same as last year. It’s true we have a different coach, but it’s the same.”He admitted the team must improve their finishing, adding, “We all need to improve [in front of goal], and also with the ball.”
Recent Matches Recap
- Real Madrid: Suffered a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis on Friday. Mbappe missed a late penalty, ending Madrid’s unbeaten run under Mourinho’s current spell. Key moments included Vinicius Junior hitting the post and multiple saves by Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles.
- Inter Milan: Claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over Napoli. After falling behind by two goals early in the second half, Lautaro Martinez inspired a comeback with two late goals, including a decisive strike in stoppage time.
Head-to-Head Record
- They have met 19 times: Madrid won 10, Inter 7, with 2 draws.
- Inter’s last victory over Madrid was in 1998 when Roberto Baggio scored twice.
- Recent meetings favor Madrid, with wins in the last four Champions League encounters:
- Dec 7, 2021: Real Madrid 2-0 Inter Milan
- Sep 15, 2021: Inter Milan 0-1 Real Madrid
- Nov 25, 2020: Inter Milan 0-2 Real Madrid
- Nov 3, 2020: Real Madrid 3-2 Inter Milan
Team News
- Real Madrid absences: Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, and Bernardo Silva are suspended. Injuries rule out Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, and Raul Asencio. Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch, Endrick, and Marc Cucurella face late fitness checks but have returned to training.
- Expected Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Bellingham, Valverde; Diomande, Diaz, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe
- Inter Milan absences: Federico Dimarco is sidelined with a knee injury; Djed Spence remains unfit and likely unavailable.
- Expected Inter XI: Josep Martinez; Bastoni, Bisseck, Akanji; Diouf, Barella, Jones, Calhanoglu, Augusto; Lautaro Martinez, Thuram
Prediction
The Opta supercomputer gives Real Madrid a 56% chance of winning, while Inter Milan sits at 22.3%. The match promises intensity as Mourinho faces his former club, and both sides chase a strong start in Europe.
