The past comes knocking on José Mourinho's door again. And it does so on the most prestigious night, that of the Champions League, in front of the Santiago Bernabéu crowd. Real Madrid's Special One hosts Inter Milan on the first day of the league phase: a particularly fascinating challenge for the Portuguese coach, who on the other side finds himself back at the club with which he wrote one of the most important pages of his career.
It was 2010 when Mourinho led Inter to the historic conquest of the Treble, winning the league, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League. That team also included Cristian Chivu, now on the Nerazzurri bench. Sixteen years later, the two meet again as adversaries, playing completely different roles.
Mourinho against his Inter
Mourinho's return to the Real Madrid bench has already inevitably brought back memories of his first Spanish experience. But this time the scenario is different: the Special One is returned to Madrid with the aim of bringing Los Blancos back to the top of EuropeThe Champions League therefore represents the first major test of the new adventure. Mourinho, on the eve of the match, dismissed the idea of feeling pressured by having to win the competition straight away and made his goal clear: to beat Inter.
Real Madrid, however, comes into the match after their first misstep of the season: a 1-0 defeat against Betis. Inter, on the other hand, arrives at the Bernabéu with high morale. after the sensational comeback against Napoli, beaten 3-2 at San Siro after being ahead 2-0.
Mourinho faces midfield emergency
The Portuguese coach has to deal with several absences. Bernardo Silva, Arda Güler and Eduardo Camavinga are suspended, while Aurélien Tchouaméni's availability remains to be assessed. Thiago Pitarch is also not at his best.
The main unknown therefore concerns the midfield. Mourinho could rely on Valverde and Bellingham, with Alexander-Arnold playing more centrally, or Bellingham dropping back and bringing Brahim Díaz into the attacking midfield. This option could significantly alter Real Madrid's formation. Up front, however, there seems to be no doubt about the pairing of Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé.
Chivu finds Thuram again and must choose in defense
On the Nerazzurri front, Cristian Chivu is opting for a 3-5-2 formation. Inter coach should rely on Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram in attack, while Barella and Çalhanoğlu are candidates to start in midfield. The main doubt concerns the left flank, with Dimarco not at his best and Carlos Augusto ready to replace him according to the latest indications. In defense, the competition remains open to complete the trio with Bastoni and Bisseck/Stones.
Probable lineups
REAL MADRID (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Alexander-Arnold; Diomande, Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior; Mbappé. Coach: José Mourinho.
INTER (3-5-2): Josep Martínez; Bisseck, Stones, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Barella, Çalhanoğlu, Curtis Jones, Carlos Augusto; Thuram, Lautaro Martínez. Coach: Cristian Chivu.
