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

Jose Mourinho begins his second spell at Real Madrid with a match against the Serie A champions, Inter Milan, at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, September 8, kicking off at 9pm local time (19:00 GMT). This meeting rekindles memories from Mourinho's historic tenure at Inter, where he secured a treble in 2010 before moving to Madrid.

Mourinho’s European Return Against Former Club

After winning Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League with Inter in 2010, Mourinho left to manage Real Madrid. The Champions League trophy escaped him during his first spell in Madrid, but now, 16 years later, he faces Inter again in Europe's premier competition. Mourinho dismissed any pressure linked to his past with Madrid, emphasizing that this period is distinct from his earlier one.

Recent Form and Team Atmosphere

Real Madrid suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last Friday, marking their first loss under Mourinho's current reign after three straight wins. Star forward Kylian Mbappe missed a late penalty, and though he denied any dressing room tension, he admitted the team needs to improve, especially in goal-scoring.

Inter Milan’s Last Match

Inter Milan edged a thrilling 3-2 victory over Napoli on Saturday thanks to a last-minute winner by Lautaro Martinez. Overcoming a two-goal deficit, Inter showed resilience as Martinez scored twice, including a decisive strike deep into stoppage time.

Prediction and Historical Context

  • Opta supercomputer odds: Real Madrid favored at 56%, Inter at 22.3%.
  • Head-to-head record: 19 matches – Real Madrid won 10, Inter won 7, 2 draws.
  • Last Inter win over Madrid: 1998, with Roberto Baggio scoring twice.
  • Recent meetings:Dec 7, 2021: Real Madrid 2-0 Inter (Champions League)
  • Sep 15, 2021: Inter 0-1 Real Madrid (Champions League)
  • Nov 25, 2020: Inter 0-2 Real Madrid (Champions League)
  • Nov 3, 2020: Real Madrid 3-2 Inter (Champions League)
  • Nov 25, 1998: Inter 3-1 Real Madrid (Champions League)

Team News

  • Real Madrid absences: Suspended players Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva; Injured Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio.
  • Fitness tests: Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch, Endrick, Marc Cucurella all back in training but uncertain for the match.
  • Predicted Real Madrid lineup: Courtois (GK); Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Bellingham, Valverde; Diomande, Diaz, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe.
  • Inter Milan absences: Federico Dimarco sidelined with knee injury; Djed Spence recovering from an undisclosed injury and unlikely to play.
  • Predicted Inter lineup: Josep Martinez (GK); Bastoni, Bisseck, Akanji; Diouf, Barella, Jones, Calhanoglu, Augusto; Lautaro Martinez, Thuram.

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