Real Madrid must quickly bounce back from their first defeat of the season against Real Betis, with the Champions League getting underway this Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabéu.
José Mourinho was unable to provide a clear explanation for Real Madrid’s defeat to Real Betis on Friday, but the Spanish giants have little time to dwell on the setback. An even tougher challenge is already on the horizon, with Inter Milan visiting the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday for the opening matchday of the Champions League.
Madrid will be eager to make a strong start to their European campaign, especially after their difficulties in the league phase during the first two editions of the competition’s new format.
On both occasions, Real Madrid failed to finish inside the top eight and were forced to go through the play-off round. They faced Manchester City in one campaign before taking on Benfica, then coached by Mourinho, in the following edition.
This season’s draw appears slightly more favorable on paper, increasing the pressure on Los Blancos to improve their results and secure direct qualification for the knockout stages.
Some positive news for Mourinho
The Portuguese coach will nevertheless have to deal with several major absences against Inter.
Three midfielders are suspended following incidents from the closing stages of last season’s Champions League campaign. Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler and Bernardo Silva were all sent off and will therefore be unavailable for Tuesday’s clash.
Madrid will also be without Rodrygo, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy and Raúl Asencio, whose absences have already been confirmed.
However, Mourinho received some encouraging news during Sunday’s training session.
Three players returned to group training: Endrick, Thiago Pitarch and Aurélien Tchouaméni. None of the trio has made an appearance so far during the 2026-27 campaign, making their return particularly welcome ahead of the Champions League opener.
According to journalist Arancha Rodríguez, Mourinho is expected to have both Pitarch and Endrick available for the match against Inter Milan.
Tchouaméni, however, is unlikely to feature. The French midfielder has only just returned to full training and the coaching staff reportedly believes the game will come too soon for him.
🚨 Tchouameni, Endrick and Thiago ARE TRAINING! pic.twitter.com/QHyAonM8ZA
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) September 7, 2026
Even with several midfield absences, it would still be surprising to see either Pitarch or Endrick start such an important European fixture.
Pitarch, in particular, might have had a stronger chance of featuring from the beginning in a different match given the suspensions of Camavinga, Güler and Bernardo Silva. But against an experienced Inter side, Mourinho is expected to rely primarily on his more established players.
After suffering their first defeat of the season, Real Madrid now have the perfect opportunity to respond immediately.
A victory against Inter Milan would not only restore confidence but would also allow Mourinho’s team to begin their Champions League campaign on the right foot and avoid the difficulties that have complicated their European journeys in recent seasons.
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