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Mourinho’s Real Madrid UCL Quest Begins Against Inter In Blockbuster Reunion

Sanjeev Kumar | September 7, 2026 6:22 PM CST

Jose Mourinho's UEFA Champions League journey with Real Madrid kicks off with a major reunion with his old team, Inter Milan, in what is sure to be one of the most compelling matches of the initial round.

Mourinho is back at Real Madrid for a second time in his career as a manager and has been given the mission of rejuvenating a team that has been through two trophyless years.

Nevertheless, the coach will have to first overcome a difficult opponent in the form of his old club, which has a significant place in his coaching life.

Mourinho Faces Former Club Inter

Mourinho is still regarded as one of the seminal figures in Jose Mourinho's era at Inter. The manager from Portugal helped the team achieve a landmark treble in 2009- 10, where Inter won Serie A, Coppa Italia, and UEFA Champions League.

He is set to confront Inter as they head to Spain.

"My attraction to Real Madrid is due to its history, its frustrations in recent years and its expectations to win," Mourinho said in 2010.

As he begins his second chapter at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night, another test awaits him on the road to glory.

Huge Expectations On Mourinho

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has placed his faith in Mourinho to restore the club's winning mentality and return them to the top of European football.

The Portuguese has also credited his predecessors for the club's recent success.

"I'm glad my work had some positive impact, but the titles belong to Carlo, Zidane, the players, and the fans,"* Mourinho said.

Mourinho has made it clear that trophies are essential at Real Madrid.

"Finishing without trophies at Real Madrid is not a successful season," he said in August.

Real Madrid Under Pressure After Betis Loss

After Real Madrid's last loss in La Liga to Real Betis, Mourinho is under even more stress. The stakes have never been higher for him, and the Champions League match against Inter comes as the best opportunity to prove him right.

Inter's arrival will be a litmus test of Mourinho's ability to revive Real Madrid's European fortunes against the and the last team he was with when he won the title last time.

For Mourinho, this match is not just another Champions League match but also a chance to go back in time and start the search for European glory once again.