2026-2027 Champions League: Real Madrid vs. Inter—Probable Lineups

Real Madrid and Inter face off at 9 p.m. at the Bernabéu in one of the most exciting matches of the first matchday of the Champions League group stage. Mourinho’s team, coming off a La Liga loss to Sevilla, is hoping to get off to a strong start in a competition where they have often dominated; the Nerazzurri, reigning Italian champions with three league wins, are looking to bounce back after last season’s disappointments, which ended in the playoffs against Bodo.

Real will be without several midfielders: Mourinho will have to do without players like Bernardo Silva, Arda Güler, and Camavinga. Valverde and Bellingham will play in the midfield, while Diomande, Brahim Díaz, and Vinícius will feature in the attacking midfield behind lone striker Mbappé.

Inter will be without the injured Dimarco; Carlos Augusto is expected to start on the left, with Luis Henrique or Diouf on the right. In midfield, Jones may start alongside Barella and Calhanoglu; up front, the re-established duo of Lautaro Martinez and Thuram will lead the attack, with Pio Esposito initially on the bench.

Real Madrid vs. Inter: Probable Lineups
REAL MADRID (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Bellingham; Diomande, Diaz, Vinicius; Mbappé. Coach: Mourinho
INTER (3-5-2): Josep Martinez; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Jones, Carlos Augusto; Thuram, Lautaro Martinez. Head Coach: Chivu

“Real Madrid can hurt you in many ways—they can either overwhelm you or pose a threat on the counterattack,” Chivu said at a press conference. “We need to raise our level of focus without straying too far from our usual style, keeping in mind that the intensity required in the Champions League is much more demanding. Thuram? He’s doing better than he was against Cagliari and is feeling confident.”