Updated September 7, 2026
Real Madrid begin their 2026-27 Champions League campaign against Inter at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday, September 8, with both clubs carrying very different feelings from their latest domestic matches. Madrid suffered their first league defeat under José Mourinho in a 1-0 loss at Real Betis despite hitting the woodwork 3 times, while Inter erased a 2-0 deficit to beat Napoli 3-2 with Lautaro Martínez scoring the winner in stoppage time. Here, these European giants will try to give themselves an early edge in the league phase.
Why Our Model Sees Value:
“The current price appears to put slightly too much weight on Madrid’s loss at Betis and their personnel issues. Madrid generated enough danger to hit the woodwork 3 times in Seville, have scored 10 goals through their first 4 La Liga matches, and return to the Bernabéu, where they have already produced 4-1 and 4-0 league wins this season.”
Madrid the Market Favorite
Polymarket currently prices a Real Madrid victory at 60¢, translating to a 60% implied probability. Inter are at 20¢, leaving approximately 20% for the draw. The market has attracted more than $221,000 in total volume across its available match markets, so this is not a thin price that should be dismissed easily.
A 4% Model Edge
My model moves Madrid to 64%, creating a 4% edge. Inter have won all 3 Serie A matches, scoring 8 goals and conceding 3, and their ability to recover from 2-0 down against Napoli showed how dangerous they remain once games become stretched. The difference is Madrid’s attacking ceiling at home. A 60¢ entry leaves enough room for a prediction on the hosts, while anything above 63¢ removes most of the advantage.
Recommended Prediction:
Real Madrid to Win
Current Market Price:
60¢
Model Win Probability:
64%
Market-Implied Probability:
60%
Model Edge:
4%
Buy Up To:
63¢
Model Trade Confidence:
74/100
Real Madrid entered September with 3 straight La Liga victories, beating Espanyol 2-1 before consecutive 4-goal home performances against Real Sociedad and Málaga. Kylian Mbappé scored a hat trick against Sociedad and also found the net against Málaga. Their 1-0 defeat at Betis ended the perfect start, but their performance was more competitive than the score would imply, with Madrid creating the better chances and striking the frame of the goal 3 times.
Mourinho is a huge part of the story going into this match, beyond just that he's managing in it. The Special One previously managed Inter to a Champions League title and is trying to add a title with a third club in his managerial career with Madrid this season. How he handles this moment will likely be anything but dull.
Inter could hardly have started Serie A better. Cristian Chivu’s side has 9 points from 3 matches after victories over Monza, Cagliari, and Napoli, with an 8-3 scoring margin. Their 3-2 victory against Napoli was the strongest evidence so far that this side can survive difficult matches against elite opposition. Lautaro Martínez scored twice in that comeback, while Marcus Thuram also contributed.
Madrid’s greatest advantage comes through the combination of Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham. Jose Mourinho's expected lineup has Mbappé and Vinícius leading the attack with Bellingham operating from midfield, which will place serious pressure on an Inter back 3 likely featuring Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni.
Inter’s best route may come through Lautaro attacking Madrid during transitions. Madrid are expected to use a reshaped defense, with Raúl Asencio and Éder Militão among the unavailable players. Aurélien Tchouaméni is also doubtful, while Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Güler are suspended. Inter have no players listed as definitely out, although Federico Dimarco is doubtful with a knee issue.
Inter should be comfortable conceding periods of possession and looking for moments to release Lautaro and their wing-backs into space. Madrid will want to force Inter deeper, where Mbappé’s movement and Vinícius’ ability to isolate defenders can create repeated one-on-one situations.
The concern for Madrid is that missing midfield and defensive options may leave them vulnerable if they lose the ball with numbers committed forward. Still, home advantage and superior individual attacking quality give Madrid the pricing edge.