Inter Milan haven’t lost since March and have more than enough weapons to trouble Real Madrid. I think this will be a fantastic match with both teams going all out, goals on the menu in Spain.
Key Stats
- Real Madrid have kept 1 clean sheet in their last 5 matches.
- Real Madrid have scored 12 goals in their last 3 home matches.
- Inter Milan are undefeated in their last 15 matches.
- Inter Milan have seen over 4.5 goals in 3 of their last 4 matches.
HTH
These clubs have a long history, the first meeting coming in the 1964 European Cup final.
Real Madrid have won four straight meetings to lead 10-7 alongside two draws.
Clean Sheets Rare for Real Madrid
Real Madrid won their opening three matches under José Mourinho, scoring 10 goals with two conceded. They needed Carlos Espi’s 90th minute goal to secure a 1-0 victory at Espanyol.
Kylian Mbappé hit a hat-trick in a 4-1 win against Real Sociedad and found the net again in a routine 4-0 win against Malaga. They had 8-1 on target and 2.62-0.70 xG against the promoted club.
Los Blancos suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat at Real Betis on Friday. Vinícius Júnior, Dean Huijsen and Kylian Mbappé hit the woodwork and Mbappé saw a late penalty saved as they ended with 3.46-0.93 xG.
Mourinho couldn’t explain the defeat: “The team played a great match. Sometimes you lose and don’t know why or how to explain it. We were very dominant, the center-backs were imperial and controlled absolutely everything. A lot of offensive play and many goal-scoring opportunities.”
“The team was solid throughout. Betis had some counterattacks, which is normal. The match was Madrid's. Betis, who played for the draw, hit the jackpot.”
Inter Three from Three
Inter Milan have made a solid start to their Serie A title defence, winning all three matches. They had 70% possession in a 4-1 win against Monza and 3.67-0.48 xG in a 1-0 victory at Cagliari.
Cristian Chivu’s side left it late against Napoli on Saturday. Down 2-0 in the second half, Lautaro Martínez scored his second goal in added time to secure a dramatic 3-2 win.
It was ultimately deserved, the Nerazzurri ending with 29-16 shots and 3.86-2.44 xG at San Siro.
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1) Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras; Federico Valverde, Jorge Cestero; Yan Diomande, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé
Éder Militão is injured alongside midfielders Aurélien Tchouaméni and Thiago Pitarch. Forwards Endrick and Rodrygo remain on the treatment table.
Raúl Asencio is doubtful with Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Arda Güler all suspended. The crisis in midfield could see 20-year-old Jorge Cestero get a start.
Inter Milan (3-5-2) Josep Martínez; Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji, Alessandro Bastoni; Andy Diouf, Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoglu, Curtis Jones, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martínez, Marcus Thuram
Curtis Jones could replace Petar Sucic in midfield. Marcus Thuram is set to start up front with Pio Esposito reverting to the bench.