Calhanoglu: ‘Inter and Real Madrid both strong teams’

Hakan Calhanoglu insists Real Madrid and Inter are both ‘strong sides with great individuals,’ and is pleased to reunite with old teammate Denzel Dumfries.

It kicks off at the Bernabeu in Madrid at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

The Nerazzurri won their first three Serie A matches of the campaign, including a comeback to beat Napoli 3-2 in stoppages, and now face a tricky trip to Spain for the Champions League opener.

Calhanoglu has faith in Inter

“I feel good, we started the season well and hope to continue like this,” Calhanoglu told Inter TV and Sky Sport Italia.

“We know Real Madrid are a strong side with great individuals, but the same can be said of Inter. We’ve got to be united today, we know that we have to run, and with the maximum focus and concentration. We want to play our game, certainly better than last season, and we want to start well in the Champions League.”

Inter fought back from 2-0 down for a thrilling 3-2 victory over Napoli in Serie A at the weekend, a sign of Cristian Chivu’s determination on the touchline.

“We showed the right mentality to never give in, to keep going to the very last minute, and we want to show that mentality even more this season,” assured Calhanoglu.

The roof will be closed this evening at the Bernabeu, following the renovation project at the iconic stadium.

There were hugs during the pitch inspection between Denzel Dumfries and his former teammates, including Calhanoglu.

“It’s always nice to play here, just as it is at San Siro. We know Mourinho spent a lot of time in Serie A, he went to Spain this summer, but we’re happy to see Denzel too.”

The Inter social media channels joked about the Dumfries reputation of always looking grumpy in his photographs, noting they finally made him smile.