Real Madrid v Inter Milan – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Real Madrid host Inter Milan at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Tuesday night in the UEFA Champions League. Madrid have just one point from two group matches so far and need to chase a win to move up the standings whilst Inter Milan could be more satisfied with a draw considering that Romelu Lukaku is an injury doubt.

Real Madrid Form

Real Madrid have bounced back well from consecutive home defeats to Cadiz and Shakhtar Donetsk in early October with 3-1 wins away to Barcelona and at home to Huesca, with a 2-2 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach sandwiched between that. At home, Zinedine Zidane’s team have won 11 of their last 13 matches going back to last season.

Real Madrid Team News

Eden Hazard made his first start for the club since July over the weekend against Huesca, scoring the opening goal. He may have to make do with a bench role in this one to manage his minutes, but his return is a big boost.

Martin Odegaard is expected to be out whilst right back, Dani Carvajal is still out with a knee injury.

Real Madrid Motivation

Zidane’s side have one point from two matches and need to play for a win in this match. If they were to lose, they would be four points away from the top two places in the group and progress to the knockout stages would be in grave danger. That is unthinkable.

Inter Milan Form

Antonio Conte’s team are on a poor run of form with just one win in their last six matches. Having started this campaign with 21 goals scored in their first four matches, they have drawn four of their last six and lost one of the other two to AC Milan in the derby.

Inter Milan drew 2-2 from 2-0 down against Parma in their last match in the absence of Romelu Lukaku and his deputy, Alexis Sanchez.

Inter Milan Team News

Conte is likely to be without his star striker for this match as Romelu Lukaku is still injured and faces a late fitness test. Alexis Sanchez could return as a substitute. If both are unable to start, then Ivan Perisic could again play as a striker.

There are injuries to deal with in midfield too with Matias Vecino (knee) and Stefano Sensi (muscle problems) expected to be out and Milan Skriniar has Covid-19 and could be missing at centre back.

Inter Milan Motivation

Inter Milan would be far happier with a draw than Real Madrid as they have two home games in their final three group matches to try to progress. I expect Inter to play for a win but using a counter-attacking style. They certainly won’t risk defeat if the scores are level in the second half.

Key Stats

– Real Madrid have won 11 of their last 13 home games (all competitions)

– Los Blancos have seen Over 3.5 goals in each of their last 4 matches (all competitions)

– Real Madrid have seen Both Teams to Score Yes in each of their last 4 matches (all competitions)

– Inter Milan have won 1 of their last 6 matches (all competitions)

– Inter Milan have seen Over 2.5 goals in 3 of their last 5 matches (all competitions)

Prediction

Both sides should score in this game as neither has looked particularly solid of late. A draw looks a good bet. Karim Benzema has two goals and two assists in his last two matches and is a good tip to be on the scoresheet.