Real Madrid welcome Inter Milan to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, for the opening fixture of their UEFA Champions League campaign — a match that carries an unmistakable emotional charge for manager Jose Mourinho, who guided Inter to continental glory in the 2009/10 season.

Madrid's stumble before the big night

Mourinho's side entered the new season with authority, dispatching Espanyol 2-1, Real Sociedad 4-1, and Malaga 4-0 in succession. That momentum was interrupted last Friday when Los Blancos fell to a surprise 1-0 defeat against Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín Stadium — a result the Spaniards will be eager to leave behind as they turn to Europe's biggest stage.

Inter's flying start in Serie A

The Nerazzurri, now guided by Christian Chivu — himself one of Mourinho's most trusted lieutenants during their treble-winning campaign — have made a formidable start to their Serie A title defence. Inter swept aside newly-promoted AC Monza 4-1, edged Cagliari 1-0, and then produced a dramatic 3-2 comeback against last season's runners-up Napoli at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium to sit joint-top heading into matchday one of the Champions League.

Head-to-head record favours Madrid

Across 19 previous meetings, Real Madrid lead the all-time head-to-head with 10 victories to Inter's seven, with two draws separating the clubs. The last encounter came in the 2021/22 Champions League group stage, where Madrid claimed wins home and away. Inter have not beaten the Spanish giants since a 3-1 result in 1998 — a drought that has stretched to four consecutive defeats, the last three of which Inter failed to score in.

Players to watch

Kylian Mbappe arrives in stunning form, having scored four goals across as many matches this season. The 27-year-old was a central figure in a historic 2025/26 campaign that yielded La Liga and Champions League titles, as well as the World Cup Golden Boot. His pace, dribbling, and finishing will pose a constant threat to Inter's backline.

Jude Bellingham has been equally influential, contributing two goals and three assists in four appearances. The England international brings physicality, intelligence, and relentless energy to Real Madrid's midfield, though he may be asked to sit deeper on Tuesday given a series of injury concerns at the base of midfield.

For Inter, Lautaro Martinez enters the match with momentum, having scored twice in the comeback win over Napoli following a difficult World Cup final with Argentina. The 29-year-old striker's movement and pressing make him one of Europe's most complete forwards. Hakan Calhanoglu, 32, has also impressed early in the campaign — orchestrating play from deep with his trademark tactical intelligence and range of passing.

Team news

Real Madrid face a disrupted selection. Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, and Bernardo Silva are all suspended, while Aurelien Tchouameni is doubtful through injury. Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, and Raul Asencio are also sidelined. Mourinho confirmed that Endrick, who returned to training, will be limited to five or ten minutes at most should he feature.

Inter will be without Federico Dimarco, rested as a precaution after a slight knee problem sustained against Napoli. New signing Djed Spence remains unavailable. Chivu faces a selection dilemma after substitute Curtis Jones drew strong praise from the Italian media following his Napoli impact, putting pressure on the coach to hand him a starting berth ahead of Petar Sucic. Marcus Thuram's equaliser in that fixture may also see him preferred over Pio Esposito up front.

Possible line-ups

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Bellingham, Valverde; Diomande, Diaz, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe

Inter Milan (3-5-2): J. Martinez; Bastoni, Bisseck, Akanji; Diouf, Barella, Jones, Calhanoglu, Augusto; L. Martinez, Thuram