The UEFA Champions League rolls into Wednesday as Matchday 1 play continues with a big one in Italy between two giants as Inter Milan host Real Madrid. The two heavy favorites of Group D, they are joined by Shakhtar Donetsk and new boys Sheriff, and Inter will be hoping to avoid a shock exit in the competition like they did last season when they were also paired with Real and Shakhtar.
Here’s are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
Storylines
Inter Milan: The attack has been very good, and Edin Dzeko is fitting in nicely. But the defense really struggled against Sampdoria over the weekend in the 2-2 draw. They gave up too much space centrally, didn’t close down well on the wings and had just an uncharacteristic performance. If that carries over here, they’ll take zero points from it. They’ve got to battle back, stick together and find that defensive stability they’ve shown with three at the back.
Real Madrid: Can the attack keep it going against a defensive side in Inter? Real have scored in every La Liga game this season, and they’ve also managed to score at least three times in three of the four. They put five past Celta Vigo on Sunday with Karim Benzema’s hat trick, while Eduardo Camavinga should be in line for more minutes after this impressive display off the bench. If Real can control the ball and build up down the wings, they should feel confident in creating enough chances to be in a position to take the three points.
How to watch and odds
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 15 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Stadio Guiseppe Meazza — Milan, Italy
TV and Live stream: Paramount+
Odds: Inter +145; Draw +250; Real Madrid +180 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Prediction
A Lautaro Martinez goal gets Inter ahead, but Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema heads home the equalizer in the second half. Pick: Real Madrid 1, Inter 1
