Real Madrid vs Inter Milan Champions League First-Round Preview: Injuries Trouble Hosts as Mourinho Searches for a Winning Plan

At 03:00 on September 9, the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League opening round will feature a highly anticipated clash, with Real Madrid hosting Serie A champions Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu. Under the new format, the competition no longer has the traditional group stage for 36 teams, making every point in each match crucial for the final standings. Real Madrid suffered an unexpected 0-1 defeat to Betis in their previous league match, leaving them in urgent need of three points. Inter have made a strong start in Serie A with three consecutive wins and appear confident ahead of their away trip to Madrid. In addition, Mourinho previously managed Inter and led the club to multiple domestic and international trophies, so facing his former team is likely to bring many emotions. However, Real Madrid are in urgent need of a victory to boost morale.

This match will be Mourinho's first official Champions League game after taking charge of Real Madrid for a second time, but his main challenge is the midfield shortage caused by injuries and suspensions. Bernardo, Camavinga and Guler are suspended for European competition, while Tchouameni and Tiago Pitarch are injured, leaving Real Madrid's midfield close to a crisis, with Valverde the only available established midfielder. To deal with the shortage, Mourinho is even considering using Castilla youngsters Cesteros and Sergio Martinez, or asking Bellingham to drop deeper and take on more midfield duties, making the formation and lineup choices uncertain.

Beyond the midfield problems, Real Madrid are also dealing with Rodrygo's serious cruciate ligament injury, while Militao, Mendy and Asensio are also unlikely to feature, severely weakening squad depth. At the start of the La Liga season, Madrid won their first three matches, but after the 0-1 away defeat in the previous round, their failure to convert numerous chances against Betis and Mbappe's missed stoppage-time penalty highlighted instability in their finishing. However, Real Madrid remain formidable at the Bernabeu, with a very high home win rate in competitive matches across seasons. The attacking trio of Mbappe, Bellingham and Vinicius still possesses elite individual quality, giving Madrid the ability to change the game through individual brilliance despite midfield shortages.

Historically, Real Madrid have held the advantage in meetings with Inter, winning six and drawing one of their last seven encounters. They have also won seven straight home matches against Inter at the Bernabeu, providing a psychological edge. However, the current situation is different, as squad absences will significantly weaken Madrid's ability to control possession. Maintaining stability in transitions while lacking midfield options is Mourinho's main challenge.

Inter have made a perfect start to the new Serie A season, winning their first three matches, scoring eight goals and conceding three. In their last match, they came from two goals down at home to beat Napoli 3-2. Although the comeback consumed energy, Lautaro's brace and stoppage-time winner clearly lifted team morale. In their last 10 matches across all competitions, Inter have remained unbeaten with six wins and four draws, showing strong resilience against tough opponents.

Inter's overall structure remains intact, with only a small number of defenders affected by injuries and enough depth in the starting squad. Against a Real Madrid side weakened in midfield, Inter are likely to adopt a pragmatic approach, strengthening midfield pressing, reducing passing space in Madrid's attacking areas, giving up some possession when necessary and focusing on quick counterattacks. Lautaro's attacking ability and Dimarco's runs from the wing could create problems for their opponents.

However, Inter's recent record against Real Madrid is concerning. They have lost all of their last four competitive meetings, with the Bernabeu becoming a difficult venue for them. Facing a Madrid side missing several players, Inter may now have an opportunity to break the pattern and earn points away from home.

With several key midfielders unavailable, Real Madrid's build-up quality, interception efficiency and defensive coverage will be affected. Although Bellingham's deeper positioning can fill part of the gap, it also reduces the team's attacking threat. Mourinho's lineup decisions will directly influence the match. If Inter disrupt Madrid's midfield, the hosts could easily fall into a passive position. Mbappe is eager to return to scoring form in the Champions League, while the in-form Lautaro will be a dangerous weapon in Inter's counterattacks. The performances of these two elite forwards could significantly influence the result.

From a tactical perspective, Inter are not focused on dominating possession, but instead look for scoring opportunities through counterattacks and set pieces. If they can withstand Real Madrid's early pressure and find openings on the break, Inter could score. The match will also test the tactical planning and second-half adjustments of both coaches, with the hosts still considered capable of avoiding defeat.