Real Madrid hosts Inter in Champions League opener as Dimarco trains with bandage

Real Madrid and Inter Milan open their 2026-27 Champions League League Phase campaign at the newly redeveloped Bernabéu on Tuesday, 8 September, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 CEST. The fixture sees the return of José Mourinho to the Madrid dugout for a second spell, facing the former club he led to a Treble in 2009/10. Current Inter manager Cristian Chivu was a member of Mourinho’s starting XI during that 2010 European triumph.

The two sides enter the match with contrasting domestic momentum. Inter Milan arrive in Spain following a 3–2 comeback victory over Napoli on 5 September, where Lautaro Martínez scored twice, including a 90th-minute stoppage-time winner. Real Madrid, conversely, suffered their first defeat of the campaign on 4 September, losing 1–0 away to Real Betis via an 81st-minute Goal from Troy Parrott, according to Goal.

Related YouTube video

Personnel Shortages for Real Madrid

Personnel absences have complicated José Mourinho's selection process. Real Madrid will be without midfielders Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva, and Arda Güler, who are all suspended, as reported by Sports and ca.Sports. Furthermore, Aurelien Tchouameni is unlikely to start and may not be included in the squad.

These shortages may force the use of academy players. Summer signing Sergio Martinez, who joined from Racing Santander on 31 August, is potentially in line for a Champions League squad debut just eight days after his arrival. According to ca.sports.yahoo.com, Martinez has already trained twice with the senior squad and traveled to Seville for the match against Betis, though he remained on the bench. He most recently appeared in the second half of a match for Castilla against Juventud Torremolinos.

Inter Milan Injury Concerns

Inter Milan is facing uncertainty regarding the availability of wingback Federico Dimarco. Dimarco sustained a mild knee sprain during the win over Napoli on Saturday and was seen training with the rest of the group on Monday wearing a heavy bandage on his right knee, according to Football Italia.

While the Italy international has returned to training, his status for the match remains unconfirmed. He is expected to be a key figure in Inter's defensive structure, which must contend with Real Madrid's attack featuring Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. Inter's squad also currently features three English players: John Stones, Djed Spence, and Curtis Jones, according to the BBC.

Historical Head-to-Head

The historical record between the two clubs consists of 19 meetings, with Real Madrid claiming 10 victories, Inter winning seven, and two matches ending in draws, according to sports.yahoo.com. Their first encounter was the 1963/64 European Cup final, which Inter won 3-1.

Recent history has favored the Spanish side. Real Madrid has won all four of the most recent Champions League meetings during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 group stages. The BBC reports that Inter has failed to score in each of those last three Champions League games against Real Madrid, marking the most times Inter has faced a single opponent in the competition this century without managing a victory.

Match Officials and Inter League Phase Schedule

English referee Michael Oliver will officiate the match, supported by assistant referees Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring, and fourth official Sam Barrott. Andrew Dallas will serve as VAR, with Michael Salisbury as AVAR, according to sports.yahoo.com.

The immediate uncertainty regarding the starting lineups rests with the health of Federico Dimarco. Manager Cristian Chivu is scheduled to provide the official update on the wingback's fitness and availability during a press conference in Madrid today.

Real Madrid’s attack enters the match with significant individual stakes. If Kylian Mbappé scores, he will reach 71 goals, equaling Raúl as the joint-fifth top goalscorer in the history of the European Cup/UEFA Champions League, according to the BBC.