Inter arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu for their Champions League opener carrying real momentum but also a significant injury concern. The nerazzurri sit second in Serie A with nine points from three games, level with leaders Roma, after a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Napoli at San Siro on September 5. Going two goals down before fighting back to win tells you something meaningful about this squad's character under Cristian Chivu.

The cost of that victory, though, is Federico Dimarco. The left-sided defender picked up a knee problem during the match and, despite attempts to recover in time, has been ruled out of the trip to Madrid. Chivu will turn to Carlos Augusto in his place, with Luis Henrique also expected to start rather than Diouf. It is a notable absence against an opponent of this quality.

The fixture itself carries extra weight. Jose Mourinho, who won the treble with Inter in 2010 and sealed it at this very stadium, now sits in the Real Madrid dugout. Lautaro Martinez has spoken openly about winning the Champions League as a personal goal this season, and Chivu addressed his relationship with Mourinho directly in his pre-match press conference. Inter's last European campaign ended in the playoffs against Bodo/Glimt, so the stakes for getting this opener right are clear. Former Inter right-back Denzel Dumfries, who joined Real Madrid in the summer after triggering a 20 million euro release clause, is expected to start for the hosts.