Real Madrid and Inter: A "Tough Summit"

Spanish giants Real Madrid begin their Champions League group stage campaign today by hosting Italy’s Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, in a clash between two clubs eager to reclaim their status on the continental stage after a disappointing European season.

The match holds special significance for Portuguese manager José Mourinho, who returns to face Inter after 16 years since he led the Italian side to Champions League glory in 2010. This time, he aims to guide Real Madrid to their 16th title in the competition.

Absences will be a key factor in Real Madrid’s calculations. The club will be without Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler, and Bernardo Silva due to suspensions imposed last season. Meanwhile, doubts surround Aurélien Tchouaméni’s availability due to muscle pain, which could prompt Mourinho to rely on Jude Bellingham alongside Federico Valverde in midfield.

Additionally, Éder Militão, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, and Tiago Djaló are sidelined with injuries. Raúl Asencio, Endrick, and Marc Cucurella will undergo fitness tests to determine their readiness to play.

On the other side, Inter, managed by Romanian coach Cristian Chivu, enters the match with nearly a full squad, except for new signing Jaiden Spence, who is still regaining his physical fitness following an injury of unspecified nature. The coaching staff may prefer not to risk including him.

Today also features a strong encounter between Portuguese club Porto and their English visitors, Manchester City, at the Dragão Stadium.

Other matches taking place today include Greek side AEK Athens against Austria’s LASK Linz, Belgian club Club Brugge against England’s Aston Villa, French team Lille against Spain’s Real Betis, and Germany’s Borussia Dortmund against Spain’s Villarreal.