Vinicius Junior has highlighted Inter’s physical strength and defensive structure as major challenges for Real Madrid ahead of their Champions League meeting at the Bernabeu, the opening fixture of Real Madrid’s 2026/27 league phase campaign.
The Real Madrid forward said Inter’s use of five defenders can create problems for his side, while maintaining that the coaching staff have prepared a response. Vinicius also acknowledged that player absences make the task more complicated, but said the squad intend to give their maximum in the fixture.
The match arrives at an awkward moment for Jose Mourinho’s side. Real Madrid suffered their first defeat of Mourinho’s second spell in charge on Friday, losing 1-0 at Real Betis despite generating a stunning 3.46 expected goals, a result that ended a perfect start to the La Liga season. Madrid also go into the game missing suspended trio Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva, alongside injured absentees Aurelien Tchouameni, Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy and Raul Asencio, a genuinely stretched squad heading into a high-profile European night.
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Speaking to Real Madrid TV on the eve of the game, with comments carried via TuttoMercatoWeb, Vinicius described Champions League matches as a different challenge and said Real Madrid were ready to face a strong opponent.
He identified Inter as a physically strong team and pointed to their five-defender system as an issue Real Madrid must address. Vinicius expressed confidence that coach Jose Mourinho has a solution, framing the match as one that will demand preparation and intensity from the home side.
Vinicius also said Real Madrid have several unavailable players. He recognised that those absences make the game more difficult, but stressed the group’s commitment to the occasion and his hope that the team can build a special connection with the supporters during matches of this kind.
Why The Five-Man Defence And Mourinho’s History Matter
Inter’s defensive setup under Cristian Chivu is central to the challenge identified by Vinicius. The Madrid forward specifically said that a five-defender structure usually causes his side problems, making it a clear focus ahead of the Champions League contest.
There’s a striking historical thread running through this fixture too. Mourinho famously led Inter to Champions League glory at this same Bernabeu stadium back in 2010, and his return to face his old club here, 16 years later and now in charge of Real Madrid, adds real narrative weight to an already significant matchday one clash.
Vinicius is expected to be one of Real Madrid’s key attacking outlets at the Bernabeu, with a likely starting XI of Courtois; Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Bellingham, Valverde; Diomande, Diaz, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe. His pace and ability in one-on-one situations could test Inter’s defensive organisation, and his European pedigree backs that up: since 2021/22 he has registered 30 goals and 22 assists in the Champions League, the highest assist total of any player across that span.
Inter arrive with their own momentum, unbeaten in six away games and having scored in 15 consecutive matches across all competitions, though they will be without Federico Dimarco after an injury picked up in their dramatic win over Napoli.
What Happens Next
Real Madrid and Inter meet on matchday one of the new Champions League league phase, giving Vinicius’s assessment immediate relevance. The forward’s comments place emphasis on Inter’s physical approach, their defensive numbers and Real Madrid’s need to deal with a lengthy absentee list.
For Real Madrid, the focus is on translating Mourinho’s preparation into a performance against an opponent Vinicius rates highly, and on responding quickly after Friday’s defeat at Betis. He also underlined the value of the Bernabeu atmosphere, hoping the side can establish a strong connection with its fans as it takes on Inter.
