Real Madrid begin their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan on Tuesday night in a fixture packed with history at the Santiago Bernabéu.
For José Mourinho, this is about as personal as a Champions League opener gets.
The Real Madrid boss led Inter to the Champions League title in 2010 before leaving for the Bernabéu. Now, 16 years later, he faces his former club again.
Madrid also need a response after losing 1-0 to Real Betis on Friday. Inter, meanwhile, arrive in Spain full of confidence after recovering from two goals down to beat Napoli 3-2.
It makes this one of the most intriguing games of the opening Champions League round.
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What are the best picks for Real Madrid vs Inter Milan?
Real Madrid to win
Madrid’s defeat to Betis was their first setback of the season, but there were still plenty of positives in their performance.
They created enough chances to take something from the game and had an xG of 3.46. The problem was finishing.
That should not be as much of an issue at the Bernabéu.
Madrid have scored eight goals in their first four La Liga games, while Kylian Mbappé has already found the net four times.
Inter will be a much tougher opponent than the teams Madrid have faced at home so far.
However, the Italians have not beaten Madrid in any of their last seven meetings. Los Blancos have won the last four, including a 2-0 victory at the Bernabéu in 2021.
With home advantage and plenty of attacking quality, Madrid should edge this one.
Kylian Mbappé to score
Mbappé will be desperate to put Friday’s disappointment behind him.
The Frenchman missed a penalty against Betis after scoring four goals in his first three La Liga games.
He remains the obvious threat for Madrid, especially with Vinícius Júnior operating alongside him.
Inter have already conceded three goals in Serie A this season. They also allowed Napoli to score twice before producing their comeback at the weekend.
Mbappé should get chances in this game.
Both teams to score
This is the more interesting option if you expect Inter to make Madrid work.
Inter have scored eight goals in their opening three Serie A games. Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram are already in good form, while Inter showed plenty of character against Napoli.
Madrid have been scoring freely too, with four goals in both of their home league matches.
There is also a huge question mark over Madrid’s midfield. Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler and Bernardo Silva are suspended, while Aurélien Tchouaméni remains a fitness concern.
That could give Inter opportunities.
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Where can I watch Real Madrid vs Inter Milan?
Real Madrid vs Inter Milan kicks off at 8:00 PM BST on Tuesday, September 8 at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The game will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports.
For viewers in the United States, the match is available on Paramount+ and other listed broadcasters, including DAZN and TUDN.
What have the managers said?
José Mourinho
Mourinho has already spoken about the challenge ahead and knows Inter are one of the strongest teams in the draw.
The Portuguese coach also believes Madrid can make a strong start despite the pressure that comes with managing the club.
“We need to be optimistic, but realistic, while keeping our heads.”
Cristian Chivu
Chivu arrives at the Bernabéu after an impressive weekend.
Inter were 2-0 down against Napoli before turning the game around to win 3-2. Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in the 91st minute.
Chivu praised his players for their reaction and willingness to take risks.
“We’re really happy to have turned it around and won 3-2.”
What is Real Madrid’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Courtois – Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella – Valverde, Bellingham – Diomande, Brahim Díaz, Vinícius Júnior; Mbappé.
Injured: Endrick, Thiago Pitarch, Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão, Rodrygo, Tchouameni.
Suspended: Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva.
Tchouaméni is a doubt after returning to training, while Endrick and Pitarch have also been involved in training but are unlikely to start.
What is Inter Milan’s predicted team?
(3-5-2) Josep Martínez – Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni – Diouf, Barella, Zielinski, Sucic, Dimarco – Pio Esposito, Lautaro Martínez.
Injured: Djed Spence.
Spence is back in training but is unlikely to feature against Madrid.
Score prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Inter Milan
This could be a very different game to the one Madrid played at Betis.
The Bernabéu should give Mourinho’s side a lift, while Mbappé and Vinícius have enough pace to cause Inter problems.
Inter will make it competitive, especially with Madrid missing several midfielders, but I expect the home side to have enough quality to get their Champions League campaign off to a winning start.
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