Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho named his squad for the UEFA Champions League clash against Inter Milan, with several notable absences forcing the Portuguese coach to make adjustments to his team.
The squad announcement came ahead of Madrid’s opening Champions League fixture against Mourinho’s former club at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match was particularly significant for the Portuguese, who returned to Real Madrid for a second spell and was seeking to make a strong start to the club’s European campaign.
Mourinho had to contend with a number of unavailable players. Bernardo Silva, Arda Güler and Eduardo Camavinga were suspended, while Éder Militão, Raúl Asencio and Ferland Mendy were among those ruled out through injury.
The absences left Mourinho facing a midfield selection dilemma. Reports suggested the manager could deploy players such as Jude Bellingham or Trent Alexander-Arnold in deeper positions as he looked for a solution to the shortage of recognised midfielders.
Mourinho had stressed before the encounter that there was little room for experimentation in Champions League football. The match therefore represented an early test of his tactical flexibility as Real Madrid began their bid for another European title.
Among the key names available to Mourinho were Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Thibaut Courtois. The squad also included new signings and emerging players as Madrid looked to balance experience with fresh options.
The fixture carried additional significance because Mourinho faced Inter, the club he famously guided to a historic treble in 2010. His return to the Champions League with Real Madrid also marked his first European campaign with the Spanish giants since beginning his second spell.
Real Madrid ultimately defeated Inter 2-1, with Mbappé and Valverde scoring before Carlos Augusto pulled one back for the Italian side. Courtois made several important saves as Madrid held on for victory.
