Real Madrid will kick off their Champions League campaign on Tuesday evening at the Santiago Bernabéu, facing reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan. However, Real Madrid’s squad, under manager José Mourinho, will be significantly impacted by the absence of six senior players for the crucial opener.
Real Madrid’s Squad Challenges
The Spanish giants are grappling with a mix of suspensions and injuries. Midfielders Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler, and Bernardo Silva are all suspended, with their bans carried over from the previous European campaign. Adding to the challenges for Mourinho’s side, Rodrygo, Éder Militão, and Ferland Mendy are sidelined due to injuries. These absences will test Real Madrid’s squad depth as they aim for a strong start in Europe.
Domestically, Real Madrid enter the fixture seeking a response after a recent defeat to Real Betis in La Liga.
Inter Milan’s Preparations
Inter Milan, fresh from a 3-2 Serie A victory over Napoli, also face a notable absence. Former Inter defender Marco Materazzi highlighted Federico Dimarco as a “significant absence” for the Italian side against Real Madrid. Despite this, Materazzi expressed confidence in Inter’s squad depth, suggesting they have enough quality to compete effectively in both Serie A and the Champions League this season.
Match Officials
English referee Michael Oliver has been appointed to officiate the Champions League opener. This will be Oliver’s sixth time taking charge of a Real Madrid fixture in European competition, a run that dates back to the 2017/18 season. The match is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 p.m. CEST at the Bernabéu.