‎The Champions League returns, and Matchday 1 immediately gives us a fixture worthy of the biggest stage.

‎Real Madrid host Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu in a meeting between two clubs with serious European pedigree.

‎For Madrid, this is about making a strong start.

‎José Mourinho's side suffered a 1–0 defeat against Real Betis in their most recent league game, giving them an early opportunity to respond on the European stage.

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‎For Inter, the challenge is completely different: can they take advantage of Madrid's recent setback and produce a result away from home?

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‎THE TACTICAL BATTLE

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‎The biggest question will be how Inter deal with Madrid's attacking quality.

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‎Mbappé and Vinícius Jr can stretch a defence with their pace and movement, while Bellingham adds another attacking dimension from midfield.

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‎Inter's response will be crucial.

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‎If they can remain compact without becoming too passive, they can frustrate Madrid and look for opportunities on the counter.

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‎At the other end, Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram provide Inter with enough pace and movement to punish Madrid if the home side commits too many players forward.

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‎THREE THINGS TO WATCH

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‎1. Can Inter contain Madrid's wide attackers?

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‎2. Can Madrid prevent Inter from hurting them in transition?

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‎3. How will Mourinho approach his first Champions League match of this new Madrid spell?

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‎THE BIGGER PICTURE

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‎This is only Matchday 1, but starting strongly matters in the new league-phase format.

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‎Madrid will want three points at home.

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‎Inter will see an opportunity to earn a result that could immediately boost their confidence and European ambitions.

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‎Either way, the Bernabéu is set for another major European night.

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‎OURPALAVER QUESTION

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‎Who wins this one?

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‎🇪🇸 Real Madrid

‎🇮🇹 Inter Milan

‎🤝 Draw

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‎And give us your exact score prediction.