Mourinho's Real Madrid begin Champions League campaign against Inter
Real Madrid host Inter Milan in the Champions League, with Jose Mourinho facing his former club. Madrid are looking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis in La Liga. The match takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mourinho previously led Inter to a treble in 2010, culminating in a Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu, before immediately joining Real Madrid. His current reunion with the Italian side marks the start of his second tenure at the Spanish club, which has since won six European titles.
Madrid's flawless start to the domestic season was ended by Friday's 1-0 loss to Betis, during which Mbappe saw a late penalty saved. The striker acknowledged the squad's need for greater scoring efficiency while downplaying any suggestion of a strained dressing-room dynamic under the returning coach.
This fixture could shape early perceptions of Mourinho's second Madrid reign, with a strong result potentially restoring confidence after the weekend setback. A defeat may intensify scrutiny on his tactical approach and the team's attacking output, affecting supporter morale and media narratives. The reunion with Inter also highlights football's cyclical nature, possibly resonating with fans who recall the 2010 treble, influencing expectations for Madrid's European ambitions this season.