UCL Preview: Real Madrid VS Inter prediction, team news, lineups

Mourinho begins another Champions League journey

Jose Mourinho begins another Champions League campaign on Tuesday with one of the competition’s biggest fixtures, as Real Madrid welcome Inter Milan to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Sixteen years after guiding Inter to Champions League glory, Mourinho now starts a new European campaign with Real Madrid and a huge target ahead of him: delivering the club’s record-extending 16th European Cup.

Real Madrid looking to bounce back in Europe

Real Madrid endured a disappointing Champions League campaign last season, losing to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals after again falling short of the trophy.

The Spanish giants have now been eliminated at the quarter-final stage in two consecutive campaigns, increasing the pressure on Mourinho to take them further this time.

Madrid have historically been strong on the opening matchday, winning 17 of their last 19 Champions League openers. Their only defeat in that run came against Shakhtar Donetsk in 2020.

However, they entered Tuesday’s clash after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis, with Kylian Mbappe missing a penalty in a frustrating performance.

Inter arrive at the Bernabeu in strong form

Inter have started their domestic campaign in impressive fashion, winning all three of their Serie A matches.

Chivu’s side beat Monza and Cagliari before producing a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Napoli, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the decisive goal in injury time.

The Nerazzurri also completed a Serie A and Coppa Italia double last season, their first since Mourinho achieved the same feat during the famous 2009-10 campaign.

Inter face difficult record against Real Madrid

Despite their strong domestic form, Inter have struggled badly against Real Madrid in recent years.

The Italian side have not beaten Madrid since their 3-1 victory in 1998 and have lost their last four meetings with the Spanish giants.

Inter have also failed to score in their last three matches against Los Blancos, giving Mourinho’s side a significant psychological advantage heading into the contest.

Real Madrid deal with major absences

Madrid will be without several important players for the opening fixture.

Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva are suspended, while Aurelien Tchouameni is unlikely to feature because of injury.

Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy and Raul Asencio are also unavailable, leaving Mourinho with difficult decisions to make across his squad.

Inter suffer defensive blow before Bernabeu trip

Inter also have an important absence, with Federico Dimarco ruled out as a precaution after suffering a minor knee injury against Napoli.

Djed Spence remains doubtful as he continues to build his fitness following injury.

Meanwhile, Curtis Jones could be rewarded for his impressive substitute appearance against Napoli by earning a starting role, while Marcus Thuram is pushing to start after scoring Inter’s equaliser in that match.

A huge test for both Champions League contenders

The match represents an early opportunity for both clubs to make a statement in Europe.

Mourinho will want to begin his latest Champions League mission with a victory at home, while Inter will hope their impressive domestic form can carry over into Europe.

With attacking quality on both sides and defensive concerns potentially leaving space for chances, the Bernabeu could be set for a high-quality contest.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2-2 Inter Milan

Inter’s poor record against Spanish opposition makes a victory difficult to predict, but their strong start to the season gives them enough confidence to trouble Madrid.

Real’s attacking quality should also ensure they remain dangerous throughout the game, making a closely fought draw the most likely outcome.