Tuesday night marks the first Champions League encounter of the 2026-27 season, and it could not be more dramatic. Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu missing several regulars through suspension, while Cristian Chivu’s Inter Milan head into Spain with a string of injuries that have already forced changes to his preferred XI.
Injury and suspension list reshapes both line‑ups
Real Madrid will be without Bernardo Silva, Edoardo Camavinga and Arda Güler, all ruled out by suspension after the league round‑one incidents. Despite the absences, the Spanish giants retain a potent attacking trio: Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, all confirmed fit for the match.
Inter face a different problem. Left‑back Federico Dimarco stayed home on precaution after a minor knee issue in the 3‑2 Serie A win over Napoli. Carlos Augusto is expected to replace him on the flank. In midfield, Curtis Jones, the English youngster who arrived from Liverpool for €35 million, is poised to make his full Inter debut after two substitute appearances. Marcus Thuram, who scored off the bench against Napoli, may start for the first time this season, potentially pushing Pio Esposito out of the starting eleven.
Recent form and what the numbers say
Inter entered the campaign on the back of a domestic double - Serie A and Coppa Italia - after a disappointing European exit to Bodo/Glimt in the 2025‑26 play‑offs. Their league start has been solid, with a 3‑2 victory over Napoli highlighting their attacking depth. Lautaro Martínez, now 29, continues to lead the line, partnered by a versatile Marcus Thuram who offers both pace and physicality.
Real Madrid, fresh off a dominant La Liga opening, have shown no sign of slowing down. Thibaut Courtois remains the first‑choice goalkeeper, while the back four of Denzel Dumfries, Jules Koundé, Antonio Rüdiger and Marc Cucurella provides a blend of experience and speed. In midfield, Federico Valverde and Bellingham operate as the engine room, feeding the front three that have already contributed 12 goals in the first two league matches.
Probable line‑ups
Real Madrid (4‑2‑3‑1): Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Rüdiger, Cucurella; Valverde, Bellingham; Diomande, Díaz, Vinícius; Mbappé.
Inter Milan (3‑5‑2): Martínez; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Jones, Carlos Augusto; Thuram, Lautaro Martínez.
Where to watch
Kick‑off is scheduled for 20.00 BST. In the United Kingdom the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports 5, with streaming available via HBO Max. Fans in the United States can catch the action on Paramount+.
Key battles to watch
The duel between Inter’s Curtis Jones and Real’s Jude Bellingham will be a fascinating midfield test, especially as Jones seeks to cement his place after a high‑price transfer. Defensively, Denzel Dumfries returns to face his former club, a storyline that adds extra intrigue to the right‑back contest.
Prediction
Both sides possess the quality to win, but Real Madrid’s attacking firepower and the home advantage give them a slight edge. Expect a tight contest, with a likely 2‑1 victory for the Spanish side.
Mourinho’s gamble without his suspended midfielders will be exposed by Inter’s fresh energy, but Real Madrid’s star‑studded attack should prove decisive. The Bernabeu crowd will make the difference.
A win for Real Madrid would reinforce their status as early favourites for the trophy, while an Inter victory could signal a shift in European power dynamics. Tactical adjustments will be crucial for both managers as the group stage unfolds.
Preguntas Frecuentes
Kick‑off is at 20.00 BST on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Bernardo Silva, Edoardo Camavinga and Arda Güler are suspended and will miss the game.
The game will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports 5, with streaming via HBO Max.