Real Madrid vs Inter Milan: Champions League Clash Preview and Team Updates

• Teams: Real Madrid vs Inter Milan
• Competition: Champions League Group Stage
• Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
• Date and Time: Tuesday, September 8, 9pm (19:00 GMT)
• Coverage: Live text commentary from 16:00 GMT on Al Jazeera Sport

Mourinho Returns to Face Former Club

When Jose Mourinho left Inter Milan in 2010 after guiding them to a historic treble, including the Champions League title at the Bernabeu, he was at his career peak. Inter had defeated Bayern Munich 2-0 to claim their first Champions League crown since 1965, becoming the first Italian club to win Serie A, Coppa Italia, and the European Cup in the same season.

Shortly after, Mourinho took charge at Real Madrid. Now, 16 years later, he begins his second stint with the Spanish giants by facing the Serie A champions once again on Tuesday night.

Mourinho on Champions League Pressure

“No, it is two different spells,” Mourinho said when asked about expectations. “When I left in 2013, we did what we could. What I need to do now has nothing to do with the past.”

He added that Real Madrid have made great strides since his first spell, having won six Champions League titles in just over ten years. Mourinho stressed the importance of stability for success: “We want to win every match, every competition. But you have to work to accomplish stability... Real Madrid are Real Madrid, you need to win here no matter what.”

Mbappe Talks Team Dynamics

Kylian Mbappe addressed questions about his relationship with Vinicius Jr and the team's atmosphere. He denied any significant change compared to last year, despite the coaching switch. Mbappe admitted the team must improve its finishing, saying, “We all need to improve [in front of goal], and also with the ball.”

Recent Matches Recap

Real Madrid’s Last Game

Madrid suffered a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis on Friday, ending Mourinho's perfect start in La Liga. Mbappe missed a late penalty, with Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles saving it deep into stoppage time. Despite chances from Vinicius Junior and Mbappe, Betis scored late through Troy Parrott’s rebound.

Inter Milan’s Last Game

Inter fought back from 0-2 down to beat Napoli 3-2 on Saturday. Lautaro Martinez scored twice, including a dramatic winner in the 91st minute after a scramble in the penalty area. Matteo Politano and Rasmus Hojlund had put Napoli ahead early in the second half before Inter’s comeback.

Head-to-Head and Predictions

• Total meetings: 19
• Real Madrid wins: 10
• Inter wins: 7
• Draws: 2
• Last Inter win: 1998 (Roberto Baggio scored twice)

The Opta supercomputer gives Real Madrid a 56% chance to win, while Inter’s chances stand at 22.3%.

Team News

Real Madrid

• Suspended: Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva
• Injured: Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio
• Fitness Doubts: Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch, Endrick, Marc Cucurella (all training but uncertain)

Predicted lineup:Courtois (GK); Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Bellingham, Valverde; Diomande, Diaz, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe

Inter Milan

• Unavailable: Federico Dimarco (knee injury)
• Djed Spence still recovering fitness and unlikely to play

Predicted lineup:Josep Martinez (GK); Bastoni, Bisseck, Akanji; Diouf, Barella, Jones, Calhanoglu, Augusto; Lautaro Martinez, Thuram