3 AM Champions League €2.2 Billion Showdown! Mourinho Faces Former Club, Three Suspended, Mbappe Targets Historic Fifth

At 3:00 AM Beijing time on September 9, a highly anticipated clash in the opening round of the Champions League league phase will take place, with Real Madrid hosting Inter Milan. The match features a combined squad value of up to €2.2 billion, and Mourinho will challenge his former club Inter. Real Madrid will have three players unavailable due to injury and suspension, leaving their midfield significantly weakened. In the all-time scoring rankings, Mbappe could surpass Raul and move into fifth place if he scores.

【Head-to-head history】

The two teams have faced each other 19 times in the past, with Real Madrid recording 10 wins, 2 draws and 7 losses, scoring 28 goals and conceding 21. In the 2021-22 Champions League group stage, Real Madrid comfortably defeated Inter twice, winning 1-0 away and 2-0 at home. In the 2020-21 season, Real Madrid again completed a double victory, beating the Nerazzurri 3-2 and 2-0.

【A heavyweight clash: €2.2 billion Champions League battle】

According to Transfermarkt data, Real Madrid's current squad value is €1.46 billion, ranking first among the 36 Champions League teams, while Inter, with a squad value of €730 million, are among the leading clubs in Serie A. The combined value of the two teams is close to €2.2 billion. Inter star striker Lautaro is valued at €85 million, while the combined value of Real Madrid's Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham reaches €500 million.

【The unforgettable two years: Mourinho's Inter legacy】

This clash between Real Madrid and Inter can be seen as Mourinho returning to a familiar stage. From 2008 to 2010, his coaching spell at Inter was highly successful, bringing the club two consecutive Serie A titles and completing the treble of the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia in the 2009-10 season. He was deeply loved by supporters. After leaving Inter, Mourinho temporarily took charge of Real Madrid, although opinions about his tenure varied. This summer, he returned to Real Madrid, and now he will face his former club Inter for the first time in the Champions League, creating a strong sense of destiny. Supporters of both Real Madrid and Inter are expected to give Mourinho warm applause.

【Mbappe set to surpass Raul: 70 Champions League goals as a key weapon】

In La Liga this season, Mbappe has shown excellent form, scoring four goals. In the Champions League, he has been an extremely productive scorer, with 70 goals in 98 appearances so far — including 6 goals in 9 matches during his Monaco period, 42 goals in 64 matches for Paris Saint-Germain, and 22 goals in 25 matches for Real Madrid. Mbappe's 70 goals currently rank sixth in history, one goal behind Raul. Against Inter, one goal would allow him to equal Raul, while a brace would see him surpass him and take sole possession of fifth place.

【Real Madrid midfield shortage: three suspended /}

However, Real Madrid face difficulties in this match, with four midfielders unavailable. Tchouameni is out due to injury, while Guler and Camavinga are suspended after receiving red cards against Bayern. B. Silva was also sent off in the Manchester City vs Real Madrid match, with his suspension carrying over to the first match of the new season. This leaves Real Madrid short in midfield, and Mourinho may ask Arnold to play as a makeshift defensive midfielder.

【Predicted starting lineups】

Real Madrid: Courtois / Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella / Valverde, Arnold / Diomande, Bellingham, Vinicius / Mbappe

Inter Milan: Josep Martinez / Pavard, Akanji, Bastoni / Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Sucic, Dimarco / Esposito, Lautaro