Tehran: Madrid: Real Madrid begin their 2026-27 Champions League campaign with a highly anticipated fixture as Jos© Mourinho faces his former club Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernab©u. The Portuguese coach, who led Inter to Champions League victory at this venue in 2010, now returns to Madrid for his second managerial spell and takes on the reigning Serie A champions in their first European game of the new season. Real Madrid enters the match following their first defeat under Mourinho, a 1-0 loss to Real Betis, while Inter Milan arrives with momentum after a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Napoli.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Real Madrid is grappling with several absences that could affect their lineup. Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Gler, and Bernardo Silva are suspended for this match, and Ferland Mendy was not included in the Champions League squad. Additionally, €°der Milito remains sidelined due to a persistent hamstring injury, necessitating Ibrahima Konat©'s partnership with Dean Huijsen in central defense. The team's options are further limited with Rodrygo and Raºl Asencio also unavailable. However, Aur©lien Tchouam©ni, Thiago Pitarch, Endrick, and Marc Cucurella have returned to training and face fitness tests ahead of the game. Mourinho is expected to rely on Yan Diomande in a more prominent role due to Gler's suspension.
Inter Milan, too, faces its own set of challenges as they head into the Bernab©u clash without Federico Dimarco, who is ruled out due to a knee injury. Carlos Augusto is likely to step in on the left side, while Djed Spence's ongoing recovery means he is unlikely to feature. Curtis Jones and John Stones are anticipated to start on the bench, with Andy Diouf continuing as the right wing-back. Marcus Thuram, after his impactful performance against Napoli, could potentially replace Pio Esposito and join Lautaro Martnez in the attack.
The tactical dynamics of this encounter are expected to revolve around Madrid's efforts to dismantle Inter's sturdy three-man defensive setup and Inter's attempts to capitalize on any spaces left by Madrid's forward pushes. Mourinho's potential 4-2-3-1 formation will see Bellingham and Valverde anchoring the midfield, with Diomande, Daz, and Vincius Jr providing offensive support to Mbapp©. Meanwhile, Inter's compact structure, featuring three center-backs and a five-man midfield, will seek to exploit Madrid's vulnerabilities, especially with Diouf and Augusto offering width.
This match not only marks the renewal of a classic European rivalry but also presents a tactical battle where both teams aim to assert their dominance. With Real Madrid looking to recover from their recent setback and Inter Milan buoyed by their comeback against Napoli, the outcome could hinge on midfield control and the efficiency of both sides' attacking play.