Jose Mourinho begins his mission to deliver Real Madrid's 16th European Cup when Inter Milan visit the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.
Madrid won their opening three league matches before suffering a 1-0 defeat at Real Betis. The result ended their perfect start and exposed a lack of fluency that Mourinho must address while three midfielders serve European suspensions.
Inter arrive with three victories from three after completing a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Napoli. The fixture also reunites Mourinho with the club he guided to an historic Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League treble in 2010.
Real Madrid vs Inter Milan: Key Stats
Real Madrid have won 17 of their last 19 Champions League opening fixtures
Madrid scored ten goals across their first four competitive matches this season
Inter have won all three league games, scoring eight goals
Real Madrid have won the last four meetings between the clubs
Inter have failed to score in each of the last three head-to-head encounters
Photo Credit (UEFA)
What to Expect
Madrid should attack through Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Yan Diomande, but Mourinho must improvise in midfield. Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva are suspended, while Aurelien Tchouameni has only just returned to partial training.
Jude Bellingham may therefore drop alongside Federico Valverde, leaving Brahim Diaz to operate as the number 10. Eder Militao, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy are unavailable, while Endrick, Raul Asencio and Marc Cucurella require late assessments.
Inter should retain their 3-5-2 and attack the spaces around Madrid's makeshift midfield. Curtis Jones is pushing to start after changing the game against Napoli, while Marcus Thuram could replace Francesco Pio Esposito alongside Lautaro Martinez. Djed Spence remains the visitors' only significant fitness doubt.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
Courtois; Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Bellingham, Valverde; Diomande, Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior; Mbappe
Inter Milan (3-5-2)
Josep Martinez; Bastoni, Bisseck, Akanji; Diouf, Barella, Jones, Calhanoglu, Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Thuram
Players to Watch
Kylian Mbappe - Madrid's leading scorer will be determined to respond after missing a penalty at Betis. His acceleration behind Inter's outside centre-backs remains the hosts' clearest route to goal.
Jude Bellingham - Suspensions may force Bellingham into a deeper role. His ability to carry possession through pressure and still arrive inside the box will be central to Madrid's improvised midfield plan.
Lautaro Martinez - Inter's captain scored twice against Napoli, including the stoppage-time winner. His pressing, movement and finishing can punish Madrid whenever their reshaped midfield loses possession.
Curtis Jones - Jones strengthened Inter after coming on against Napoli and is pushing for his first major start. His press resistance can help the visitors escape Madrid's pressure and establish possession.
Prediction
Prediction: Inter Milan +1 Asian handicap @ 1.87
Madrid's outstanding opening-match record and four consecutive victories over Inter explain their status as favourites. However, their midfield suspensions reduce the control normally expected at the Bernabeu, while Friday's defeat at Betis interrupted their early momentum.
Inter arrive with greater continuity and confidence after winning three straight matches and recovering from two goals down against Napoli. The selection wins if Inter draw or win and is refunded if Madrid prevail by exactly one goal. A 2-2 draw is the preferred scoreline.