Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has named his starting lineup for the club’s UEFA Champions League opener against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night.
The Spanish giants will line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Thibaut Courtois starting in goal.
Mourinho has selected Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konaté, Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella in defence, while Trent Alexander-Arnold moves into midfield alongside Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham.
Up front, Brahim Díaz joins Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. in the attacking trio.
Real Madrid Starting XI vs Inter
Goalkeeper:
Thibaut Courtois
Defenders:
Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konaté, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella
Midfielders:
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham
Forwards:
Brahim Díaz, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.
Mourinho has been forced to reshuffle his midfield because Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Arda Güler are suspended for the encounter. The decision to deploy Alexander-Arnold centrally is therefore one of the major tactical talking points before kick-off.
The match also carries extra significance for Mourinho, who is facing his former club Inter on his return to the Champions League with Real Madrid. The Portuguese coach famously guided Inter to the Champions League title in 2010 before later taking charge of Madrid.
Real Madrid will hope Mbappé, Vinícius and Bellingham can provide the attacking spark as Mourinho begins his latest European campaign in charge of the 15-time champions.
Real Madrid vs Inter Milan is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, at the Santiago Bernabéu, with kick-off at 9:00 p.m. CEST (8:00 p.m. Nigerian time).
