Real Madrid vs Inter Match Preview
Madrid’s Start Under Mourinho
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 Arrive in Excellent Form
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.
Real's Front 3 vs Inter's Back 3
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.
What Could Decide the Match
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.