Two European giants clash on the opening night in the 2026/27 Champions League. Real Madrid are looking to bounce back from a surprise defeat as they welcome Inter to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Midfield issues for Real Madrid

Real Madrid had 18 shots, but failed to register a goal in a 1-0 loss against Real Betis on Friday night. Kylian Mbappé missed a late penalty; however, the Frenchman is sure to continue, having already netted four times this season.

José Mourinho’s main selection problems are in midfield. Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Güler are all suspended as a result of red cards in Europe earlier this year. The Portuguese coach will respond by using Jude Bellingham in a deeper role.

Aurélien Tchouaméni’s injury adds to the shortage of central options, and Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão and Rodrygo are sidelined. Endrick and Raúl Asencio are additional doubts.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Inter (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Bellingham; Diomande, Brahim, Vinícius; Mbappé.

Martínez the main threat as Inter look for bright start

In contrast to their opponents, Inter have few selection issues. Djed Spence is the only fitness doubt. The England international is back in training, but is unlikely to be ready to feature prominently in the Spanish capital.

Cristian Chivu will be looking for Lautaro Martínez to provide his team’s chief goal threat. The Argentine striker has already struck twice in three Serie A outings, while he’s averaging 5.3 shots per game.

Curtis Jones is pushing for a starting position in midfield. The summer signing played an important role off the bench as I Nerazzurri came from behind to beat Napoli 3-2 on Saturday. Marcus Thuram should also return to the lineup, after coming on to score in that victory.

Inter predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (3-5-2): J. Martínez; Pavard, Akanji, Bastoni; Henrique, Barella, Çalhanoğlu, Jones, Dimarco; Thuram, L. Martínez.

Real Madrid vs Inter Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Real Madrid to score over 1.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.53 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Inter
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 1ER7C

Key stats:

  • Real Madrid have scored at least twice in four of their past five Champions League matches.
  • Los Blancos are averaging 2.5 goals per 90 minutes in La Liga this term.
  • Inter have only kept one clean sheet in their past five competitive outings.

Even in defeat at Betis last week, Real Madrid still created seven big chances. It was a very rare occasion when their elite attacking trio of Mbappé, Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior failed to make the opposition pay.

Los Blancos have a great recent record against Inter, winning all four meetings in the Champions League in the 2020s. They averaged exactly two goals per 90 minutes across that period and are a safe pick at odds of 1.53 to score over 1.5 goals in this match.

Real Madrid vs Inter Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Kylian Mbappé to score first
  • Odds: 3.7 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: NZDK2

With Bellingham likely to anchor the midfield, there will be even more onus on Mbappé to do the damage for the hosts. He’s averaging 7.8 shots and one goal per 90 minutes in La Liga this term.

Backing the 27-year-old to score first offers value. He has already broken the deadlock at the Bernabéu this season, with the opener in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad.

Verdict: Real Madrid to score over 1.5 goals (1.53) — Real Madrid 2-1 Inter