Real Madrid prepare for Inter test at the Bernabeu
Vinicius Jr warned Inter are physically strong and defend with five, a setup that can trouble Real Madrid. He also noted absentees but said Madrid will give their maximum.
Inter will face Real Madrid at the Bernabeu without Betsson Sport on their shirts, after Spanish law banned gambling sponsorship for this Champions League tie.
Former Real Madrid boss Arbeloa is under pressure at Fulham after three straight defeats, with defensive frailties and reports of dressing-room unrest echoing his Madrid spell.
Mbappe, Bellingham, Vinicius and new signing Cucurella are on the 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist, with Mbappe a strong contender after 42 goals and a World Cup Golden Boot.
Preview of Real Madrid v Inter: Mourinho faces his former club, Madrid seek a response after defeat at Betis, Mbappe chases records, and several absences shape the predicted line-up.
Real Madrid issued an official denial of reports claiming Spanish flags are banned at the Santiago Bernabeu, calling the claims misinformation.
Former Castilla midfielder Alex Fernandez said Neymar trained with Real Madrid’s academy for 2-3 weeks in 2006, but the Brazilian chose to return to Santos.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal mocked Real Madrid’s refereeing complaints, saying: 'We are happy with the refereeing', as Barca lead La Liga and Madrid sit third.
The piece argues Mourinho is using Real Madrid’s Betis defeat and his ‘naive’ remark to forge a hungrier, more intense side before Inter visit the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid’s Champions League opener against Inter comes with a boost as Federico Dimarco did not travel after knee discomfort, though Madrid also have key absences.
Mbappe said he ‘definitely prefer Milan’ but warned Real Madrid must respect Inter, praising Lautaro, Thuram and Mourinho before the Bernabeu clash.
Mourinho played down his Bernabeu history before Inter, saying his past highs and lows there are irrelevant and he is focused only on Real Madrid and the points at stake.
Endrick is fit again but faces fierce competition at Real Madrid. Jose Felix Diaz fears he 'will play very little', despite Mourinho’s faith and the striker rejecting summer offers.
Mbappe enters a defining season under pressure after two trophyless years at Real Madrid, with Mourinho’s return and Madrid’s balance under scrutiny after defeat at Betis.
Chivu said Inter want to ‘write important pages’ at the Bernabeu, where they have not won in 60 years, while praising Mourinho and warning Real Madrid were unlucky at Betis.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid struggles are the focus, with a Liverpool reunion looming amid the club’s current problems.
Bayern’s chief executive left Olise’s 2027 future open, but Real Madrid’s crowded attack after Yan Diomande’s arrival and Vinicius Jr’s new deal make a move look unlikely.
Real Madrid are linked with Declan Rice, while Florentino Perez could back Mourinho with January reinforcements such as Ruben Neves, according to transfer rumours.
Mbappe said he would vote for himself for the Ballon d’Or, insisting his individual achievements justify the claim as Real Madrid prepare to face Inter.
With Real Madrid short in midfield for Inter, Mourinho refused to reveal his plan, fuelling talk that Trent Alexander-Arnold could be used centrally alongside Valverde.
