The UEFA Champions League returns with a blockbuster clash on Tuesday night as Real Madrid welcome Inter to the Santiago Bernabéu in one of the standout fixtures of Matchday 1.
ALSO READ: BetJets News’ Prediction: Barcelona To Win The 2026/27 Champions League.
There is no shortage of history surrounding this encounter. Real Madrid are the most successful club in European Cup history, while Inter arrive in the Spanish capital as reigning Serie A champions and two-time Champions League finalists since 2023.
Then there is Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid boss faces the club he famously guided to an historic treble in 2010, culminating in a Champions League triumph at the Bernabeu. Sixteen years later, Mourinho will be sitting in the opposite dugout as he begins another attempt to deliver European glory to Los Blancos.
Madrid enter Tuesday’s encounter looking for a response after suffering their first defeat of Mourinho’s second spell in charge, while Inter arrive with a perfect domestic record.
Something has to give in Madrid.
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Real Madrid’s start under Mourinho had been almost flawless before Friday night’s 1-0 defeat against Real Betis.
Los Blancos had won their opening three LaLiga matches, scoring 10 goals and conceding only twice, before Troy Parrott’s late strike condemned them to defeat in Seville. Kylian Mbappe had an opportunity to rescue a point but saw a late penalty saved.
Despite the result, Mourinho was encouraged by Madrid’s performance and made his priorities clear ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League opener: winning matters more than playing attractive football.
The Portuguese coach will know his side cannot afford to be as wasteful against Inter.
Mbappe will once again carry much of Madrid’s attacking threat. The French superstar scored 15 Champions League goals last season to finish as the competition’s leading scorer and enters the new campaign with 70 goals from 98 appearances in Europe’s premier club competition.
One more goal would move Mbappe level with Real Madrid legend Raul on 71 Champions League goals.
Vinícius Junior provides another obvious danger, while Jude Bellingham gives Madrid a goal threat from deeper positions. Together, Mbappe and Vinicius have both registered 52 direct Champions League goal involvements over the last five seasons.
Mourinho does, however, have significant selection problems.
Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva are suspended, while Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Endrick, Raul Asencio and Thiago Pitarch are ruled out through injury. Aurelien Tchouameni is also considered doubtful.
That leaves Mourinho with some difficult decisions, particularly in midfield.
Inter arrive in considerably better form.
Cristian Chivu’s side have won their opening three Serie A matches and demonstrated their character in spectacular fashion against Napoli on Saturday.
Trailing 2-0 after 53 minutes, Inter produced a stunning comeback to win 3-2, with captain Lautaro Martínez scoring twice, including the stoppage-time winner.
That result should ensure the Nerazzurri travel to Madrid with confidence.
Lautaro remains the obvious danger. His brace against Napoli moved him to 133 Serie A goals for Inter, while Marcus Thuram provides Chivu with another powerful attacking option.
Inter also have considerably fewer personnel problems than their hosts. UEFA lists no confirmed absentees for the visitors, although Federico Dimarco is doubtful with a knee issue.
For all their current form, however, history at the Bernabeu makes uncomfortable reading for the Italian champions.
Real Madrid have won their last seven home matches against Inter and six of the last seven meetings overall. Inter’s record in Spain is even more concerning: they haven’t won any of their last 13 away matches against Spanish opposition.
Madrid therefore have history firmly on their side.
Recent Form & Stats
- Real Madrid have won three of their opening four La Liga matches, with their first defeat coming in Friday’s 1-0 loss to Real Betis.
- Madrid scored 10 goals across their opening three league victories, before drawing a blank against Betis.
- Kylian Mbappe scored 15 Champions League goals last season, finishing as the competition’s leading scorer.
- Mbappe has scored 70 Champions League goals in 98 appearances and needs one more to draw level with Raúl on 71.
- Real Madrid have won their Matchday 1 fixture in 17 of their last 19 Champions League campaigns.
- Los Blancos have won 14 of their last 16 home matches in the Champions League group stage/league phase.
- Madrid have won six of their last seven meetings with Inter, losing only once.
- Real Madrid have won their last seven home games against Inter, keeping four clean sheets.
- Inter have won all three of their opening Serie A matches this season.
- Lautaro Martínez scored twice against Napoli, including the stoppage-time winner.
- Inter have failed to score in only two of their last 19 Champions League matches.
- Inter are winless in their last 13 away matches against Spanish opposition, drawing four and losing nine.
- The Nerazzurri have nevertheless won four of their last five away league-phase matches, keeping a clean sheet in each of those victories.
Best Bets & Prediction
Prediction: Inter Milan to win at 4.85.
Best Bet: Over 2.5 total goals at 1.42.
Alternative Bet: Kylian Mbappe to score anytime at 1.66.
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