José Mourinho’s Real Madrid open their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan, managed by Cristian Chivu — a reunion of the 2010 treble-winning duo at the scene of that famous final.

Form & Context

• Real Madrid: Coming off a 1-0 La Liga defeat to Real Betis. Still adjusting under Mourinho with a lengthy injury and suspension list.
• Inter: Perfect start in Serie A (three wins). Flying high and full of confidence after a dramatic late win over Napoli.

Madrid have dominated recent meetings with Inter (won all four Champions League encounters this century and their last seven home games against them). Inter have not beaten a Spanish side away in 13 attempts.

Team News

Real Madrid
Suspended: Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva.
Injured/out: Éder Militão, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, Raúl Asencio. Several others (Tchouaméni, Endrick, Cucurella, Pitarch) are doubts or limited.

Likely XI (4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2 variations): Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Bellingham; Diomande/Díaz, Díaz/Bellingham, Vinícius Jr; Mbappé.

Inter
Out: Federico Dimarco (knee). Djed Spence unlikely.

Likely XI (3-5-2): Josep Martínez; Bastoni, Bisseck/Akanji, Akanji/Pavard; Diouf/Henrique, Barella, Çalhanoğlu/Jones, Zieliński/Augusto; Lautaro Martínez, Thuram.

Prediction

Real Madrid 2-1 Inter

Madrid’s attacking talent (Mbappé, Vinícius, Bellingham) and home advantage should edge a competitive opener, despite the absences. Inter’s form and organisation make them dangerous, but the Bernabéu factor and historical dominance favour the hosts in a high-quality encounter.