Real Madrid just dropped their first game of the season, a truly embarrassing 1-0 defeat to Real Betis over the weekend, and now Jose Mourinho’s squad kicks off their Champions League 2026/27 league phase slate. They absolutely peppered Betis with 20 shots but couldn’t find the net. That’s a brutal start for a team with title aspirations, especially heading into a home opener against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Inter Milan’s Perfect Start Versus Mourinho’s Recent Stumble
While Real Madrid is licking their wounds from that Betis loss, Inter Milan is flying high. Cristian Chivu’s side boasts a perfect record with three wins from three in Serie A. They’re defending their domestic league title, which is huge, but they’ve also got something to prove in Europe. Remember last season when they got unceremoniously dumped by Cinderella story Bodo/Glimt in the knockout playoffs? Yeah, that stung, and they’re looking for redemption. This Champions League match is Inter’s chance to show everyone they’re not messing around this year.
Mourinho Is Already Rolling the Dice with His Lineup
Mourinho, never one to shy away from a bold move, is already shaking things up. The biggest shocker has to be Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield. You hear fans in England talking about it being a “lost cause,” but Mourinho clearly sees something. With early Champions League matches having “very few real stakes,” it’s the perfect time for him to experiment. He also put Brahim Diaz at right wing, passing over Arda Guler and Yan Diomande. Diomande, a 19-year-old who was just nominated for the Kopa Trophy, might be wondering where he stands after getting overlooked. These are big calls right out of the gate.
This game, officiated by Michael Oliver, sets the tone for Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign. We’ll see if Mourinho’s midfield gamble with Alexander-Arnold pays off, or if Inter’s perfect form in Italy translates to European success. You’ve gotta think Mourinho is trying to light a fire under his squad after that weekend flop.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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