Real Madrid and Inter Milan begin Champions League campaigns with Santiago Bernabeu showdown

Real Madrid host Inter Milan on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, in the opening round of the UEFA Champions League league phase, with both sides targeting a winning start to their European campaign.

The match will be played at the Santiago-Bernabeu in Madrid, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT. UK viewers can watch the game on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage will also be available via NBC, USA Network, Peacock and Telemundo in the United States; BeIN Sports across the Middle East and North Africa; DAZN in Spain and Portugal; Canal+ and Sky in Switzerland; and Sky Sport in Germany.

The fixture brings together two clubs with a long European history and renewed ambitions at the start of the new league-phase format. Real Madrid will be seeking to use home advantage, while Inter Milan will hope their recent domestic result can provide momentum on the continental stage.

Real Madrid have won their past four meetings with Inter Milan, scoring nine goals and conceding five. The two most recent encounters came in 2021 and both ended in victory for the Spanish club, with Real Madrid winning 2-0 and 1-0.

Across all competitive meetings, Real Madrid have recorded 10 wins against Inter Milan’s seven, while two matches have finished level.

Contrasting form before the match

Real Madrid go into the match after a 1-0 defeat by Real Betis, a result that has interrupted their recent momentum. The Spanish side are also dealing with several absences in midfield, but the importance of the Champions League provides an additional incentive as they begin their European campaign.

The prospect of the final being staged in Madrid adds further significance for Real Madrid. They will therefore be expected to respond at home despite the setback against Real Betis.

Inter Milan arrive in more positive spirits after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Napoli. The Italian champions fought back from 2-0 down to claim the win, underlining their ability to recover from difficult situations.

However, their recent record in the UEFA Champions League remains a concern. Inter Milan have lost five of their past six matches in the competition, leaving them under pressure to improve their European form at the Santiago-Bernabeu.

Prediction and betting odds

Real Madrid are regarded as favourites, with a 59% probability of victory. The chances of a draw are assessed at 22%, while Inter Milan are given a 19% chance of winning.

The published prediction is a 2-0 victory for Real Madrid.

Before the first match of the league phase, betting company 1xBet lists Real Madrid at 1.60 to win, with the draw priced at 4.40 and an Inter Milan victory at 5.40.