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The kings of Europe return to action on Tuesday at the Bernabeu, where Real Madrid will host Italian giants Inter Milan in both sides' first Champions League match of the season.
With Jose Mourinho in charge of Los Blancos for a second spell, a home victory against Inter will be important if he is to endear himself to a somewhat sceptical fanbase.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Real Madrid vs Inter Milan key stats
- Both teams have scored in 36 of Real Madrid's last 56 games.
- Real Madrid have scored three or more goals 18 times since the start of last season.
- Lautaro Martinez has averaged 6.25 shots per 90 so far this season.
Real Madrid vs Inter Milan preview: Can the kings of Europe re-claim their throne?
Real Madrid vs Inter Milan — Tale of the Tape
| Real Madrid | vs | Inter Milan |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd (La Liga) | Position | 2nd (Serie A) |
| 9 | Points | 9 |
| 10 | Goals For | 8 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 3 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 2nd | Home / Away Rank | 8th |
Real Madrid are arguably at a precarious moment in their history considering 2025-26 was just the fifth time this century that they ended trophyless, after 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10, and 2020-21.
The appointment of Mourinho as head coach was certainly an interesting decision, as while the Portuguese experienced success at the club between 2010 and 2013, he has struggled in managerial roles for nearly a decade.
His side have started their La Liga campaign well, winning three times, but they did lose 1-0 to Real Betis on September 4.
Success for Los Blancos has often been defined by their performances in Europe, with no other team bettering their haul of 15 Champions League titles.
Mourinho will hope that new signing Yan Diomande can find his feet in the competition after having failed to score or assist for the club this season.
Inter come into Tuesday's clash on the back of a 3-2 triumph against Napoli on Saturday in what could already be a decisive match in the race for the Serie A title.
The Italian giants have in fact enjoyed a perfect start to the campaign, winning all three of their league matches, though they are behind first-placed Roma due to goal difference.
Head coach Cristian Chivu will hope that he can end his side's four-game losing streak against their hosts, with their most recent meeting a 2-0 success in Real's favour in December 2021.
Inter's Federico Dimarco picked up a suspected knee injury last time out, and his participation is in serious doubt.
Real Madrid vs Inter Milan form guide & betting tips
| Real Madrid | vs | Inter Milan |
|---|---|---|
WWWL |
Form | WWW |
| 10 | Goals For | 8 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 3 |
N/A |
Champions League | N/A |
Whispers predicts: Real Madrid 3-1 Inter Milan
It is no surprise to see the bookmakers price a Real Madrid victory at 8/13 (1.62), especially as they are the undisputed kings of Europe.
Considering both teams have scored in 36 of Real Madrid's last 56 games, it makes sense to back Both Teams to Score at 8/15 (1.53).
Real Madrid have scored three or more goals 18 times since the start of 2025-26, so there could be value in predicting Over 2.5 Goals for Real Madrid at 6/4 (2.5).
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez has averaged 6.25 shots per 90 so far this term, and there is a case to back Lautaro Martinez to Have 4+ Shots at 12/5 (3.4).
> Both Teams to Score at 8/15 (1.53) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 2.5 Goals for Real Madrid at 6/4 (2.5) | Likelihood: Possible
> Lautaro Martinez to Have 4+ Shots at 12/5 (3.4) | Likelihood: Outsider