Real Madrid Possible Lineup Against Inter Milan in the Champions League

José Mourinho faces some key selection decisions after Madrid’s first setback of the season as an in-form Inter side arrives at the Bernabéu.

Real Madrid Look to Bounce Back in Their European Opener

Real Madrid begin their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaign on Tuesday, September 8 against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu, looking for an immediate response after suffering their first defeat of the season.

José Mourinho’s side fell 1-0 to Real Betis after opening their LaLiga campaign with three consecutive victories. The defeat brought Madrid’s perfect start to an end and raised a few questions just before their first major European test of the season.

And that test will be a significant one. Inter arrive in Madrid with three straight Serie A wins, including a dramatic 3-2 victory over Napoli in their most recent outing. The Nerazzurri have also reached two Champions League finals in recent years and once again look capable of making a deep run in Europe.

UEFA Champions League

Real Madrid vs Inter Milan: All You Need to Know

Mourinho Must Find Answers Despite Key Absences

Real Madrid enter the match dealing with several absences through injuries and suspensions, limiting Mourinho’s options and potentially forcing the Portuguese coach to make adjustments for his first Champions League lineup of the season.

Thibaut Courtois remains the clear choice in goal, while Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konaté, Antonio Rüdiger and Marc Cucurella could form a back four tasked with containing the dangerous partnership of Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram.

In midfield, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham are expected to carry much of the responsibility. Valverde’s relentless work rate and Bellingham’s ability to influence the game in different areas could prove crucial against an Inter side that likes to overload midfield and punish mistakes in transition.

Mbappé and Vinícius Remain Madrid’s Biggest Weapons

Madrid’s biggest threat will once again come from their star-studded attack. Kylian Mbappé enters the match after a frustrating night against Betis, when he missed a stoppage-time penalty that could have rescued a point, but his Champions League pedigree speaks for itself.

The French superstar finished as the 2025-26 Champions League top scorer with 15 goals in 11 appearances and enters the new campaign with 70 goals in 98 matches in the competition. Alongside him, Vinícius Júnior remains another proven difference-maker on the biggest European nights.

One of Mourinho’s most intriguing decisions could come on the right wing. Yan Diomande has seen limited action during the opening weeks of the season, but he is in contention to make his first competitive start for Real Madrid on the Champions League stage.

Real Madrid Possible Lineup vs. Inter Milan

José Mourinho could opt for a 4-3-3 formation, with Mbappé leading the line and Vinícius and Diomande providing pace and directness from the flanks.

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Right Back: Denzel Dumfries
Center Back: Ibrahima Konaté
Center Back: Antonio Rüdiger
Left Back: Marc Cucurella
Midfielder: Federico Valverde
Midfielder: Jude Bellingham
Midfielder: Brahim Díaz
Right Winger: Yan Diomande
Striker: Kylian Mbappé
Left Winger: Vinícius Júnior