Real Madrid begin their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign with a huge European test against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu, and Jude Bellingham could be asked to take on a very different role from the one he has become accustomed to.
José Mourinho’s side enter the contest with a significant midfield problem. Several players are unavailable through suspension or injury, leaving the Real Madrid boss with limited natural options in the centre of the pitch. That could force Bellingham deeper alongside Federico Valverde, while Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior remain the main attacking threats.
For Cambodian football fans, this is one of the most intriguing Champions League fixtures of the opening round. Real Madrid are chasing a record-extending 16th European crown, while Mourinho faces the club he once led after famously winning the Champions League with Inter in 2010.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs Inter Milan
According to the supplied LiveScore/Sports Illustrated report, Mourinho could select a 4-2-3-1 formation against Inter Milan.
🧤 Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois is expected to retain his place between the posts.
The Belgian goalkeeper has started the season without a clean sheet, including Real Madrid’s recent 1-0 defeat to Real Betis. Nevertheless, his experience and ability to perform on the biggest European nights make him the obvious choice for Mourinho.
🛡️ Defence: Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen and Cucurella
Denzel Dumfries could make an interesting appearance against his former club after Real Madrid reportedly triggered his release clause from Inter during the summer transfer window.
Ibrahima Konaté is expected to partner Dean Huijsen in central defence, with Éder Militão unavailable. Marc Cucurella could complete the back four at left-back.
Bellingham Faces a Major Midfield Responsibility
The biggest tactical question surrounding the Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Inter Milan is Jude Bellingham’s position.
The English midfielder has impressed when operating closer to the opposition penalty area, but Mourinho may have little choice except to move him deeper.
Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Güler are suspended, while Aurélien Tchouaméni and Thiago Pitarch are expected to miss the match through injury. That leaves Federico Valverde as the only established senior central midfielder available.
As a result, Bellingham could be required to partner Valverde in the middle.
Why Bellingham’s Role Matters
This could be one of the most important tactical decisions of the match.
Mourinho wants Bellingham to reproduce the form that made him so influential during the 2023/24 campaign, when he regularly operated in advanced areas.
However, the current injury and suspension situation means the Englishman may have to sacrifice some of his attacking freedom.
Instead of constantly arriving inside the box, Bellingham could spend more time helping Valverde control possession, covering defensive spaces and progressing the ball from deeper positions.
That would place greater responsibility on Brahim Díaz, Vinícius Júnior and the wide attackers to create chances for Mbappé.
Real Madrid’s Predicted Attack
While the midfield situation is causing Mourinho plenty of headaches, Real Madrid still possess enormous attacking quality.
Yan Diomande could be handed his first Real Madrid start, with Brahim Díaz operating centrally behind the main striker.
Vinícius Júnior is expected to start on the left, while Kylian Mbappé leads the attack.
Yan Diomande Could Make His Madrid Debut
One of the most interesting selections is Yan Diomande.
The youngster has been tipped to make his first start for Real Madrid, adding another layer of excitement to Mourinho’s Champions League plans.
His inclusion would provide pace and direct attacking ability from the right side, while Brahim Díaz could operate between the lines.
That would leave Mbappé as the focal point of the attack.
Mbappé Looking to Make Champions League History
Mbappé enters the game with plenty of individual motivation.
The French forward recently spoke confidently about his Ballon d’Or ambitions, while the Inter match provides another opportunity to strengthen his reputation on Europe’s biggest stage.
According to the LiveScore/SI report, Mbappé could move into fifth place on the Champions League’s all-time goalscoring list if he finds the net against Inter.
That makes him an obvious player to watch.
Real Madrid’s Midfield Crisis Could Define the Match
The absence of several midfielders could have a major influence on how the match develops.
Mourinho normally prefers a balanced midfield structure, but Real Madrid’s current situation leaves him with difficult choices.
The Portuguese coach acknowledged before the game that he has several possible solutions but did not reveal which one he would choose.
That uncertainty could benefit Inter Milan.
Inter are expected to have a much more natural midfield structure and will look to exploit any spaces around Bellingham and Valverde.
Valverde’s Experience Will Be Crucial
Federico Valverde could be asked to play an enormous amount of football.
He has started all four matches since Mourinho returned to Real Madrid and is expected to play another important role against Inter.
His energy, defensive work and ability to carry the ball forward could be essential.
If Valverde and Bellingham can establish control in the centre of the pitch, Real Madrid’s attacking players should have enough quality to hurt Inter.
If they struggle, however, Mourinho’s side could find themselves defending for long periods.
Inter Milan Provide a Serious European Test
Inter are not arriving at the Bernabéu simply to admire the occasion.
The Italian side are three-time European champions and come into the fixture with their own ambitions for the Champions League campaign.
Inter also have a fascinating connection to Mourinho.
The Portuguese coach famously guided the Nerazzurri to Champions League glory in 2010 before later becoming Real Madrid manager.
Now he faces his former club in his first European campaign since returning to Madrid.
That storyline adds another layer to an already fascinating encounter.
Predicted Real Madrid XI vs Inter Milan
Based specifically on the LiveScore/Sports Illustrated report, Mourinho’s predicted XI is:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Thibaut Courtois |
| RB | Denzel Dumfries |
| CB | Ibrahima Konaté |
| CB | Dean Huijsen |
| LB | Marc Cucurella |
| CM | Federico Valverde |
| CM | Jude Bellingham |
| RW | Yan Diomande |
| AM | Brahim Díaz |
| LW | Vinícius Júnior |
| ST | Kylian Mbappé |
The key selection is clearly Bellingham alongside Valverde, while Diomande could receive his first Madrid start.
Predicted Real Madrid Formation
Courtois
Dumfries – Konaté – Huijsen – Cucurella
Valverde – Bellingham
Diomande – Brahim Díaz – Vinícius Júnior
Mbappé
This should be presented as a predicted lineup, not an official starting XI. Other previews have suggested different solutions, particularly in defence and midfield, which underlines the uncertainty surrounding Mourinho’s selection.
Can Bellingham Help Madrid Overcome Their Midfield Problems?
Bellingham could ultimately be the player who makes the difference.
Although playing deeper may reduce his attacking influence, his intelligence and physical ability could allow him to perform multiple jobs.
He can carry the ball forward, win challenges, help Valverde defensively and still make late runs into dangerous areas.
The challenge will be maintaining the correct balance.
Real Madrid cannot afford to leave Bellingham and Valverde isolated against an Inter midfield that is comfortable controlling possession.
At the same time, Mourinho will want Bellingham close enough to the attack to exploit his ability around the box.
That tactical balancing act could define the match.
Conclusion: Bellingham Has a Big Job at the Bernabéu
Real Madrid’s Champions League opener against Inter Milan promises to be a fascinating tactical battle.
Mourinho has inherited a significant midfield problem, with several players unavailable through suspension and injury. That situation could force Jude Bellingham into a deeper role alongside Federico Valverde.
At the other end of the pitch, Real Madrid can still call upon an extraordinary attacking group featuring Vinícius Júnior, Brahim Díaz and Kylian Mbappé, while Yan Diomande could make his first start for the club.
For Cambodian football fans, Bellingham’s role is arguably the biggest storyline to watch.
If he can help Madrid control midfield while still contributing in the final third, Mourinho could have the solution to one of his biggest problems.
But Inter Milan will provide a serious test.
At the Bernabéu, under the Champions League lights, Bellingham has a big job to do. ⭐⚽
