Match Preview<\/p>\n
Real Madrid<\/p>\n
Madrid\u2019s last Champions League triumph came in 2024. They\u2019ve since suffered back-to-back quarter-final exits, something they\u2019ll be desperate to improve upon this term, with their home city hosting the final next June. Los Blancos failed to shine during last season\u2019s league phase, losing three of their eight matches at this stage of the tournament (W5).<\/p>\n
Furthermore, they\u2019re at risk of losing three consecutive Champions League games for the first time since April 2025 after being beaten by Bayern Munich in both quarter-final legs last season. Eager to avoid that unwanted feat, the 36-time La Liga champions can draw confidence from their superb scoring record under Mourinho, as they\u2019ve found the net in 35 of their 36 Champions League games with the \u2018Special One\u2019 in the dugout.<\/p>\n
Inter\u2019s upcoming visit bodes well for Madrid\u2019s bid to bounce back from Friday\u2019s heartbreak at Cartuja. Indeed, Los Merengues have won their last four encounters against the Nerazzurri and eight of the nine meetings at the Bernab\u00e9u (L1). As if that\u2019s not encouraging enough, they\u2019ve emerged victorious from 19 of their last 21 European matches against Italian opposition.<\/p>\n
Inter<\/p>\n
In addition to their dreadful record in Madrid, Inter have failed to win any of their last four UEFA-sanctioned fixtures against La Liga sides (D2, L2), highlighting the size of the task awaiting Chivu\u2019s men on Tuesday. Chivu was part of the Nerazzurri squad that lifted the Champions League title in 2010, which remains the last time an Italian club won the competition.<\/p>\n
Yet, Chivu\u2019s hopes of replicating that success from the touchline fell apart in last season\u2019s playoff round against Bodo\/Glimt. It was the only blemish on his memorable first season at Giuseppe Meazza, as he helped Inter win the domestic double for the first time in 16 years. Inter\u2019s Scudetto defense has been off to a dream start, with the Nerazzurri winning all three Serie A games this term.<\/p>\n
On a less promising note, Inter have lost five of their last six Champions League outings (W1), as many defeats as in their previous 39 fixtures in the competition. Still, three wins from their last five continental road trips (L2) offer the reigning Scudetto holders a glimmer of hope ahead of their daunting visit to Madrid.<\/p>\n
Even finding the net shouldn\u2019t be an issue for Inter, who have netted at least two goals in 11 of their last 13 games in all competitions.<\/p>\n
Team News<\/p>\n
Madrid will be without the suspended trio Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, and Bernardo Silva. To make matters worse ahead of Mourinho\u2019s second Champions League debut in charge of Los Blancos, Aurelien Tchouameni (muscle), Eder Militao (hamstring), Rodrygo (knee), Ferland Mendy (hamstring), and Raul Asencio (tibia) are all struggling with injuries.<\/p>\n
As for Inter, summer signing Djed Spence remains the only notable absentee, with the English wingback still building his fitness back up after an unspecified injury. After earning high acclaim from the Italian media for his superb off-the-bench showing against Napoli, Curtis Jones could make his first start for the Nerazzurri at the expense of Petar Sucic, who flopped on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Real Madrid vs Inter Potential Starting Lineups<\/p>\n
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Bellingham, Valverde; Diomande, Diaz, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe.<\/p>\n
Inter (3-5-2): J. Martinez; Bastoni, Bisseck, Akanji; Diouf, Barella, Jones, Calhanoglu, Dimarco; L. Martinez, Thuram.<\/p>\n
Real Madrid vs Inter Prediction<\/p>\n
Winless in their last 13 away clashes against Spanish clubs, Inter cannot realistically hope to break that streak against one of the best teams in the world. However, Chivu\u2019s men have what it takes to deny Mourinho\u2019s side a winning start to the competition, as we expect these two European heavyweights to share the spoils on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Prediction: Draw<\/p>\n
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