Live Blog! Real Madrid vs Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League

60' - Triple substitution for Inter

Inter Milan turn to their bench with three changes at once. Piotr Zielinski, Ange-Yoan Bonny and Petar Sucic come on to freshen things up, replacing Hakan Çalhanoglu, Marcus Thuram and Nicolo Barella.

Score: Real Madrid 2-0 Inter Milan

45' - Stones comes on for Inter

Inter Milan make a change at the start of the second half. John Stones comes on to replace Benjamin Pavard in defense.

Score: Real Madrid 2-0 Inter Milan

45' - The second half is underway!

Both teams are back on the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid resume the action with a two-goal advantage, while Inter need an immediate response to get back into the game.

Score: Real Madrid 2-0 Inter Milan

45+2' - Halftime at the Bernabéu!

The first half comes to an end with Real Madrid in control. Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde have given the hosts a two-goal cushion at the break.

Score: Real Madrid 2-0 Inter Milan

45+1' - Bellingham comes close to a third!

Jude Bellingham threatens in the final seconds of the first half, forcing Josep Martínez into a big reaction. The Inter goalkeeper stays sharp to keep the Englishman from making it three before the break.

Score: Real Madrid 2-0 Inter Milan

45' - One minute of added time

The fourth official signals one minute of added time before the halftime whistle.

Score: Real Madrid 2-0 Inter Milan

39' - Çalhanoğlu is booked

Hakan Çalhanoğlu fouls Jude Bellingham in Real Madrid's defensive area and is shown a yellow card.

Score: Real Madrid 2-0 Inter Milan

32' - Courtois takes a heavy blow

Play is stopped following a collision between Thibaut Courtois and Lautaro Martínez. The Real Madrid goalkeeper gets medical attention after the impact.

Score: Real Madrid 2-0 Inter Milan

23' - Valverde doubles Madrid's lead!

Federico Valverde capitalizes on a major Inter mistake while playing out from the back. The Uruguayan's pressure forces an error from Josep Martínez, sending the ball into the net for Madrid's second.

Score: Real Madrid 2-0 Inter Milan

14' - Mbappé puts Real Madrid ahead!

Kylian Mbappé finds space in the center of the box and finishes with his right foot to give Real Madrid the lead. An early blow from the hosts at the Bernabéu!

Score: Real Madrid 1-0 Inter Milan

6' - Madrid earns a corner and wins a free kick

Carlos Augusto concedes a corner for Real Madrid, while Hakan Çalhanoğlu is called for a foul on Jude Bellingham in the opposition half.

Score: Real Madrid 0-0 Inter Milan

0' - Kickoff!

The ball is rolling at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid and Inter Milan begin their 2026/27 Champions League campaigns.

Score: Real Madrid 0-0 Inter Milan

Real Madrid's Starting XI

Inter Milan's Starting XI

Real Madrid and Inter open the Champions League with a clash of giants

The 2026/27 Champions League could hardly ask for a more exciting opening. This Tuesday, September 8, Real Madrid host Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu, in a matchup between two clubs accustomed to big European nights. Los Blancos boast 15 European Cups, while the Italian side have 3 titles in their trophy cabinet.

Real Madrid enter the match after suffering their first defeat of the season under José Mourinho, losing 1-0 to Real Betis. Inter, meanwhile, arrive in Madrid full of confidence after staging a spectacular comeback against Napoli.

Mourinho looks for an immediate response at the Bernabéu

Kylian Mbappé will once again be one of Mourinho's main weapons against Inter. The Portuguese coach, however, faces a number of absences that could influence his approach.

Aurélien Tchouaméni, Éder Militão, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy and Endrick are among the players unavailable for this matchup. In addition, Arda Güler and Eduardo Camavinga will miss the game through suspension. Marc Cucurella is also a doubt after being substituted against Betis due to cramps.

The challenge is a major one for Madrid, who need to regain their finishing touch in front of goal while also avoiding a repeat of the missed chances that proved costly in their latest match.

Inter arrive flying after movie-like comeback

While Real Madrid arrive looking for revenge, Inter Milan head to the Bernabéu riding a wave of confidence.

The Italian champions opened the season with three consecutive victories, and their latest triumph had all the ingredients of a Champions League thriller. Inter found themselves 2-0 down against Napoli, but responded with three unanswered goals to secure a 3-2 victory at San Siro.

Inter also strengthened their squad during the transfer window with players such as Djed Spence, Curtis Jones and John Stones, the latter a member of the Manchester City side that won the treble in 2023.

The Italian champions also have unfinished business in Europe. Last season, they were eliminated by Bodø/Glimt in the round of 16 after losing 5-2 on aggregate, following their run to the Champions League final in the 2024/25 campaign.

Experience vs. resilience: who will strike first?

Real Madrid have the experience, history and a collection of players capable of deciding a match within minutes. Inter, meanwhile, arrive backed by a team that has shown character and the ability to respond when faced with adversity.

Madrid will need to make the most of their opportunities if they want to impose their game at home. Against an Inter side that has already shown it can survive under pressure, failing to capitalize on chances could prove costly.