Real Madrid are still trying to find their feet under new manager Jose Mourinho after losing to Real Betis at the weekend, they know they need to start their European campaign well. Madrid have never had a problem for star power but working together can sometimes be more of an issue. To get a good result at Inter Milan here are 3 stars who need to find some form.
1. Kylian Mbappe
After missing a penalty at the weekend, Kylian Mbappe is needing of a good performance to put that in the past. He has managed four goals in as many matches in the league this season, so his outing against Betis may have just been a blip. Inter's rigid 3-5-2 system will attempt to suffocate the exact left-sided half-spaces he loves to exploit alongside Vinícius Júnior.
Tonight, Mbappé needs to prove he can be the clinical, ruthless focal point this team requires when the attacking chances are limited. If he plays well, Madrid win, it's that simple.
2. Ibrahima Konate
Brought in this summer to solidify the heart of the defense, Ibrahima Konate had an uncharacteristically shaky performance at the weekend, looking caught out by quick balls over the top. Tonight, the margin for error is zero. He will be directly matched up against Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram—arguably the most cohesive and physically demanding strike duo in European football. If Konaté wants to justify his massive price tag and firmly cement himself as the leader of Mourinho's backline, locking down the Argentine captain is a must. If he can put his body on the line and stay switched on in his physical battles then Madrid have a lot better chance.
3. Denzel Dumfries
His first game against his former club, Denzel Dumfries needs to not let the occasion get the best of him. The Dutchman is Mourinho's aggressive workhorse, but he needs to make sure his defensive positioning isn't exploited. More importantly, he faces the monumental task of tracking Federico Dimarco. Inter build the vast majority of their attacks down Dimarco's flank, meaning Dumfries cannot afford a single lapse in concentration.
He needs to pin his former teammate back defensively while offering an overlapping threat to help Real Madrid succeed. The battle on the flanks can make or break this matchup.
Preview
Both teams will be looking to get the 3 points to kick off their group stage so both will be looking to score first. Inter might be more trying to contain as they play away, but that doesn't mean they'll park the bus completely. With 2 strong and quick strikers up front, they will look to break away and put crosses in the boxes to throw themselves around.
While Madrid will look to use their pace advantage and try make chances while they control the ball. They might have the advantage in star power but the Italians are a better unit. Either way these 2 European giants will put on a show.
