Real Madrid vs Inter Milan Preview: Mourinho Begins European Return Against Former Club
Real Madrid will begin their 2026/27 Champions League campaign by hosting Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, September 9, in a fixture that carries added significance for Jose Mourinho.
The match will mark Mourinho’s return to the Champions League as Real Madrid manager for the first time since beginning his second spell at the club. It will also see him face Inter, one of the most important clubs of his managerial career.
The two sides enter the contest in contrasting moods. Real Madrid suffered their first defeat under Mourinho at the weekend, losing to Real Betis in La Liga. Inter, meanwhile, secured a dramatic victory over Napoli in Serie A, preserving their strong start under Cristian Chivu.
Despite the differing results, both clubs have the same immediate objective: victory.
Madrid will view the Champions League opener as an opportunity to respond to their first setback under Mourinho. Inter, meanwhile, will be determined to maintain their winning momentum and carry the confidence from the Napoli victory into Europe.
For Mourinho, the occasion will inevitably be emotional. The Portuguese coach has a deep connection with Inter after leading the Nerazzurri to an historic treble during the 2009/10 season, when they won Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League. He has faced Inter since leaving the club, including during his time with Roma, but this encounter represents a very different chapter.
The meeting will also present both coaches with significant selection problems. Real Madrid’s midfield has been weakened by suspensions. Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva are all unavailable due to accumulated yellow cards, while Aurelien Tchouameni remains doubtful because of an injury.
Jude Bellingham could therefore be asked to operate in a deeper role alongside Fede Valverde, potentially forming a double pivot designed to provide Madrid with greater balance against Inter’s midfield.
Inter have their own concerns. Federico Dimarco is expected to miss the match after suffering a knee injury during the victory over Napoli. New signing Djed Spence is also a doubt as he continues to build up his fitness.
Curtis Jones could once again prove useful in midfield after making his Inter debut at the weekend. The England international’s ability to carry the ball and contribute defensively could give Chivu another option in an area that will be crucial against Madrid.
The tactical battle should make for a fascinating encounter. Madrid are likely to attempt to control possession and impose their attacking quality, while Inter can be expected to remain disciplined before looking to exploit spaces as the game progresses.
That late threat could be particularly important for Chivu’s side. Inter’s dramatic comeback against Napoli demonstrated their ability to remain competitive until the final stages. Madrid will therefore need to maintain concentration throughout the entire match rather than assuming control in the early periods will be enough.
Recent history, however, gives Real Madrid plenty of confidence. Los Blancos have won four of their last five meetings with Inter in the Champions League, including victories in all four encounters between the clubs from 2020 to 2021. Inter’s only win during that sequence came in 1998. With home advantage, Madrid will start as favourites, but Inter’s current form and resilience make them a dangerous opponent.
Head-to-Head: Real Madrid vs Inter Milan
- December 7, 2021 — Real Madrid 2-0 Inter Milan | Champions League
- September 15, 2021 — Inter Milan 0-1 Real Madrid | Champions League
- November 25, 2020 — Inter Milan 0-2 Real Madrid | Champions League
- November 3, 2020 — Real Madrid 3-2 Inter Milan | Champions League
- November 25, 1998 — Inter Milan 3-1 Real Madrid | Champions League
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois; Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras; Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham; Ousmane Diomande, Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior; Kylian Mbappe
Head coach: Jose Mourinho
Inter Milan (3-5-2): Josep Martinez; Alessandro Bastoni, Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Curtis Jones, Piotr Zielinski, Carlos Augusto; Lautaro Martinez, Francesco Pio Esposito
Head coach: Cristian Chivu
Prediction
Real Madrid should have enough quality to control large portions of the game, particularly at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, Inter’s ability to remain dangerous late in matches means Mourinho’s side cannot afford to lose focus.
The hosts have the stronger attacking options and the advantage of playing at home, while Inter’s recent victory over Napoli suggests they possess the mentality to stay competitive until the final whistle.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Inter Milan.
