Champions League First Round Preview: Real Madrid vs Inter Milan, Injuries Trouble Hosts as Mourinho Plans for Victory

At 03:00 on September 9, the 2026-27 Champions League league phase first round will feature a heavyweight clash, with Real Madrid hosting Serie A champions Inter Milan at the Bernabeu. Under the new format, the 36-team league phase has no traditional group stage, and every point directly affects the final standings, making every match crucial. Real Madrid suffered an unexpected upset in their previous league match, losing 0-1 away to Real Betis. Therefore, they are determined to secure three points in this match. Inter have opened their Serie A campaign with three straight wins and appear confident ahead of this away match against Real Madrid. Mourinho previously led Inter to major trophies, so facing his former club carries special emotions, but Real Madrid currently need a victory to boost morale.

This match is Mourinho's first official Champions League game in his second spell at Real Madrid, and his biggest challenge is the shortage of midfield options caused by injuries and suspensions. Bernardo, Camavinga, and Guler are suspended for European competition, while Tchouameni and Tiago Pitarch are injured and are unlikely to play. Valverde becomes the only remaining orthodox midfield option. To fill the gaps, Mourinho is considering promoting Castilla academy youngsters Sestero and Sergio Martinez, or moving Bellingham deeper to take on major midfield responsibilities. The starting lineup and tactical setup remain full of uncertainty.

Beyond midfield, Rodrygo is sidelined long term with a serious cruciate ligament injury, while Militao, Mendy, and Asensio may also be unavailable, significantly reducing the team's rotation depth. In La Liga, Real Madrid started with three consecutive wins before suffering their first defeat of the season with a 0-1 away loss to Betis. Despite multiple shots, they failed to convert chances, and Mbappe missed a stoppage-time penalty, exposing issues with finishing efficiency. However, Real Madrid remain extremely strong at home in the Bernabeu, and the attacking trio of Mbappe, Bellingham, and Vinicius still possess elite individual quality. Even with midfield problems, their attacking stars can still change the game.

In terms of historical meetings, Real Madrid have held the upper hand against Inter, winning six and drawing one of their last seven encounters. At the Bernabeu, they have won seven straight matches against Inter, giving them a strong psychological advantage. However, circumstances have changed, and the depleted squad will greatly weaken Real Madrid's ability to control possession and progress the ball. How to stabilize transitions between attack and defense with limited midfield options is Mourinho's key challenge.

Inter have made a perfect start to the new Serie A season, winning all three opening matches, scoring eight goals and conceding three. In their previous home match against Napoli, they came back from two goals down to win 3-2, though the comeback consumed some energy. Lautaro scored twice and added a stoppage-time winner, lifting the team's confidence. The Nerazzurri are unbeaten in their last 10 matches across all competitions, with six wins and four draws, proving their resilience and comeback ability against strong opponents.

Inter's overall structure remains intact, with only a few defenders facing injury concerns and almost all key players available. Against a Real Madrid side weakened in midfield, Inter are likely to adopt a pragmatic approach, strengthening midfield pressing and interceptions, reducing the passing space for Real Madrid's attackers, sacrificing some possession, and focusing on counterattacking opportunities. Lautaro's attacking ability and Dimarco's runs from the flank will be important sources of danger.

For Inter, one major concern is their historical record against Real Madrid. They have lost their last four competitive meetings, and the Bernabeu has been a painful venue for them. However, with Real Madrid lacking a full-strength squad, this could be Inter's best opportunity to break the pattern and earn points away from home.

With several key midfielders unavailable, Real Madrid's ability to build attacks, intercept, and cover defensively will decline. In addition, Bellingham dropping deeper would sacrifice attacking output, meaning Mourinho's selection decisions could directly determine the match outcome. If Inter disrupt Real Madrid's midfield, the hosts could easily become passive. Mbappe is eager to open his Champions League scoring account for the new season and needs goals to regain confidence after missing a penalty in the previous match. Lautaro is in outstanding form and is Inter's sharpest weapon on the counterattack; the performances of the two elite forwards could influence the direction of the game.

Tactically, Inter are not obsessed with possession; creating chances through transitions and set pieces are their main scoring methods. If they can withstand Real Madrid's early home pressure and find opportunities through counterattacks, they have a chance to score. The match will depend on the strategies of both managers and their second-half adjustments, with the expectation that the home side can avoid defeat.