Real Madrid host Inter Milan on the opening night of the Champions League as Jose Mourinho faces his former team on his return to the Bernabeu.
Mourinho has set his sights on winning his first Champions League with Real Madrid, more than 16 years after leading Inter to the Treble in the season before he arrived for his first spell in the Spanish capital.
The Champions League was the one prize that eluded Mourinho in his first spell at Real Madrid, who are under pressure to deliver this season after two trophyless campaigns led to the return of Mourinho after 13 years.
Following a stunning World Cup with France, star forward Kylian Mbappe will also be determined to win his first Champions League title, after watching his former club Paris Saint-Germain win back-to-back European crowns since he joined Real Madrid.
Follow live updates from Real Madrid v Inter Milan, below
Last time out: Inter win thriller against Napoli
I’ll sign up for the entertainment Inter provided on Saturday night as they came from behind to beat Napoli at San Siro. Inter, champions of Italy last season, trailed last year’s runner-ups Napoli 2-0 but Lautaro Martinez sparked the fightback. Marcus Thuram then grabbed the equaliser before Martinez scored the winner in stoppage time to complete the comeback. It means Inter join Roma and Lazio with three wins from three so far this season.
Last time out: Real Madrid’s first defeat on Mourinho’s return
After an opening three victories in LaLiga, Real Madrid hit their first bump under Jose Mourinho’s second spell in charge when they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Real Betis on Friday night. Troy Parrott, the Republic of Ireland striker, grabbed the late winner before Kylian Mbappe missed a late penalty that would have seen Real Madrid nick a point. It means they are already trailing champions Barcelona in LaLiga. They have made a superb start with four wins in a row and 17 goals scored.
Inter Milan XI: Curtis Jones starts for visitors
As expected, there’s no Federico Dimarco for Inter Milan, but the visitors keep their 3-5-2 formation. There’s a chance in defence with Benjamin Pavard coming into the back-three in place of Manuel Akanji. Former Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones makes his first Champions League start for his new club, while Marcus Thuram is preferred to Pio Esposito alongside captain Lautaro Martinez.
Inter Milan XI: Martinez; Pavard, Bisseck, Bastoni; Diouf, Barella, Calhanoglu, Jones, Carlos Augusto; Martinez, Thuram
Real Madrid starting XI: Midfield role for Alexander-Arnold?
Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield? That’s what is looks like as Jose Mourinho responds to the absence of several of his midfielders by deploying the England international at the base of his midfield diamond. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr lead the line with Jude Bellingham behind them.
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen; Cucurella; Alexander-Arnold; Valverde, Brahim Diaz; Bellingham’ Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
Jose Mourinho reunited with Cristian Chivu
Cristian Chivu was one of Jose Mourinho’s enforcers during his time at Inter Milan. Now, the former Romania international is in charge of Inter and faces his former boss Mourinho at the Bernabeau.
“Chivu will always be one of my own,” Mourinho said before tonight’s meeting. “I’m very happy for him and what he’s achieving. I’ll greet him before and after the game. During the game, it’s all about the match.”
What is the team news?
Real Madrid will be witout the suspended Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Arda Guler. Camavinga and Guler were sent off in Real Madrid’s quarter-final defeat at Bayern Munich last season, while Silva was sent off in City’s last-16 defeat against Real Madrid. With Aurelian Tchouameni also doubtful due to injury, the hosts could be left light in midfield.
For Inter, Federico Dimarco was forced off during Saturday’s clash with Napoli and is not expcted to be available, but there are no other fitness concerns. Former Liverpool midfielder and England international Curtis Jones could make his Champions League debut for Inter Milan.
Good evening and welcome
Jose Mourinho and the Champions League. What a pairing.
But it’s been 16 years since Mourinho last lifted European football’s top prize, when he led Inter Milan to glory at the Bernabeu and knocked out Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona along the way.
The victory landed Mourinho the Real Madrid job but the Champions League eluded him. Now, 13 years later, Mourinho is back at the Bernabeu and determined to prove he still has what it takes.
A reunion with Inter sets it all up wonderfully. Kick-off is at 8pm BST in Madrid.
