Mourinho’s secret Brahim Diaz plan for Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Inter

Real Madrid will look to respond to their first defeat of the season when they host Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu in a heavyweight Champions League meeting, with Jose Mourinho reportedly considering a surprise role for Brahim Diaz.

The Spanish giants want to make an early statement to their European rivals and restore their reputation after two underwhelming continental campaigns. Inter, meanwhile, arrive in Madrid determined to re-establish themselves among Europe’s elite and make an immediate impression in the new format of the competition.

Real Madrid are also targeting a place in the top eight of the league phase for the first time. Finishing in that position would allow them to avoid the play-off round for the knockout stages.

Inter travel to the Spanish capital with confidence after a perfect start domestically under Christian Chivu. They won their opening three Serie A matches before producing an impressive comeback against Napoli, recovering from two goals down to win 3-2.

Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram scored for Inter, with the Argentina forward adding his second goal in stoppage time to complete a dramatic victory and provide further momentum before the trip to the Bernabeu.

Mourinho returns to a familiar opponent

The fixture carries particular significance for Mourinho, who managed Inter between 2008 and 2010 and led them to Champions League glory. That success helped open the door to his subsequent appointment by Real Madrid.

During his three seasons in charge of the Spanish club, Mourinho never faced Inter. His Champions League campaigns with Real Madrid ended in the semi-finals, and he departed without winning the European title.

Real Madrid then went on to claim four Champions League trophies in the five seasons after his departure, becoming the competition’s most successful club.

The immediate challenge for Mourinho is to find a response to Real Madrid’s defeat by Real Betis. The team created several clear opportunities in the first half but failed to convert their pressure into goals. After the interval, they conceded to the Andalusian side.

Real Madrid attempted to recover, but one goal was ruled out and Kylian Mbappe missed a late penalty. The result left them without a point and made the meeting with Inter an opportunity to rebuild confidence and send a warning to their Champions League rivals.

Midfield absences create selection problems

Mourinho faces a serious shortage of options in midfield. Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva and Eduardo Camavinga are suspended after being sent off in the previous edition of the Champions League, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

Aurelien Tchouameni is also unavailable despite returning to team training. Thiago Pitarch has resumed work with the squad as well, but his lack of involvement during pre-season makes it difficult to expect a significant contribution against Inter.

One possible solution would be to use Jude Bellingham in a deeper midfield role. Mourinho could also consider deploying Trent Alexander-Arnold as an interior midfielder.

Academy players remain another option. Jorge Cestero and new signing Sergio Martinez could be involved, with the young midfielder having impressed in Castilla’s recent victory over Juventud Torremolinos. That performance may increase the possibility of an emergency first-team opportunity.

Real Madrid’s absentees extend beyond midfield. Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Raul Asencio are also unavailable, while goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is doubtful because of influenza. Ferland Mendy has not yet scored in the Champions League, further limiting the attacking options available to the coaching staff.

In that context, Brahim Diaz could become Mourinho’s key tactical surprise. The Spain international may be used to provide movement between the lines and an additional attacking presence in the final third.

Mourinho is searching for players who can exploit the spaces created by the midfield absences, and Diaz’s ability to link play could make him one of the most important elements of the plan. The Portuguese coach will hope the unexpected selection gives Real Madrid an advantage against an Inter side he knows well and once guided to European success.

Inter face doubts on the wings

Inter also have concerns over their squad, particularly in the wide areas. Denzel Dumfries is struggling with a physical problem and is not considered fully ready, while Federico Dimarco’s availability is also uncertain.

Dimarco was forced off during the victory over Napoli because of an issue with his left knee. His participation at the Santiago Bernabeu has yet to be confirmed.

Despite those doubts, Chivu is expected to retain his usual 3-5-2 system, with changes likely on both flanks. Diouf could be given the role on the right, while Carlos Augusto appears the clearest replacement for Dimarco on the left if the Italy international is ruled out.

Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu are expected to provide balance and connect the different areas of the pitch, with Curtis Jones also involved in midfield. Their task will be to cope with Real Madrid’s pressure and help Inter control the tempo.

Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram remain Inter’s main attacking threat. Their movement into space and ability to run behind defenders could be decisive, with their battle against the Real Madrid defence likely to be one of the central contests of the match.

The expected Real Madrid line-up is: Courtois; Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Bellingham, Brahim Diaz; Diomande, Vinicius and Mbappe.

Inter’s expected line-up is: Martinez; Diouf, Akanji, Bisseck, Bastoni, Carlos Augusto; Barella, Calhanoglu, Curtis Jones; Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.

Readers can discuss the match and wider football news in greater depth on the Kooora forums.