Diaz Starts: Real Madrid Face Inter Tonight in the Champions League

Morocco international Brahim Diaz is set to start for Real Madrid against Inter Milan, in the league phase of the 2026/2027 Champions League, scheduled for tonight at the Santiago Bernabéu.

A wave of absences opens the door for Diaz

Portuguese coach José Mourinho faces a genuine midfield crisis, with Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler and Bernardo Silva all missing through carry-over European suspensions. That has pushed him to rely on Brahim Diaz as the creative element of the attacking midfield trio, within the 4-2-3-1 system he is keeping despite his depleted options.

A symbolic night for Mourinho

The match carries special significance for Mourinho, who previously managed Inter Milan and led the club to the historic treble in 2010. Even so, the coach said his focus would be entirely on the game itself rather than the past, stressing that only the match matters once it kicks off.

Key facts

• Brahim Diaz starts against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
• Camavinga, Güler and Bernardo Silva are out through European suspension.
• Mourinho keeps his 4-2-3-1 despite limited options.
• The match is played at the Santiago Bernabéu, with added symbolism for Mourinho against his former club.