Probable line-ups for Real Madrid vs. Inter Milan.

Real Madrid and Inter Milan face each other this Tuesday in the opening round of the Champions League (9:00 p.m., Canal+ Foot). What starting XI will José Mourinho choose for this big European clash?

For Real Madrid’s first Champions League appearance of the season, Inter Milan will travel to the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday evening. It is already a demanding opening fixture for the 15-time European champions, against an opponent Mourinho knows particularly well.

Probable line-ups for Real Madrid vs. Inter Milan.

It was with Inter that the Portuguese coach last lifted the Champions League trophy, 16 years ago. However, as Mourinho explained during his pre-match press conference, memories of the past will have little influence on Tuesday’s meeting.

“I experienced both the best and the worst moments in this stadium. But I don’t think about any of that. Neither the positive nor the negative. I simply think about the fact that I am the Real Madrid coach and that tomorrow we are not playing an extremely important match in the sense that it decides nothing. It is not a knockout game, nor is it the old group-stage format,” Mourinho said.

Despite his attempt to play down the importance of the fixture, the situation remains delicate for Madrid. The Spanish giants are coming off their first La Liga defeat of the season and Mourinho will be determined to avoid another setback that could quickly create negative momentum.

A heavily reshuffled starting XI

Several absences have already been confirmed for the game. Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva and Eduardo Camavinga are all suspended, while Rodrygo, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy and Raúl Asencio remain sidelined through injury.

Aurélien Tchouaméni could return to the squad, while Endrick is also expected to be available. However, Mourinho has already made it clear that the Brazilian striker is only capable of playing “10 minutes, no more” at this stage.

With so many midfielders unavailable, the Portuguese coach may be forced to make several tactical adjustments.

In defence, Denzel Dumfries, Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konaté and Marc Cucurella are expected to start in front of Thibaut Courtois. Cucurella was forced off against Real Betis after taking a knock, but he has recovered in time for the Champions League encounter.

If Mourinho sticks with his preferred 4-2-3-1 system, Federico Valverde and Trent Alexander-Arnold could operate in midfield, with Jude Bellingham playing in a more advanced role behind the striker.

In attack, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé are almost certain to start. The main uncertainty concerns the right wing, where Brahim Diaz appears to be the favourite, although summer signing Yan Diomandé could also be handed an opportunity.