Real Madrid CF vs Inter

Real Madrid host Inter in the opening round of the new Champions League league phase, renewing a rivalry that stretches back to the 1963-64 European Cup final. Both sides arrive with momentum: Real Madrid have won all three of their opening La Liga fixtures, while Inter, the reigning Serie A champions, launched their title defence with a 4-1 rout of Monza. Real Madrid's attack has clicked quickly under returning boss José Mourinho, with Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham all finding the net, alongside new signing Bernardo Silva. Inter, guided by Cristian Chivu, will lean on Lautaro Martínez, the club's all-time top scorer in this competition, plus Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Federico Dimarco. Historically the tie favours Madrid, who won all three of their most recent European meetings, though Inter's win over these very opponents in the inaugural 1963-64 European Cup final remains a cherished piece of club history. Our prediction: 2-1