Real Madrid vs Inter Milan

Stakes are high at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid and Inter Milan battle it out for a top-place finish in UEFA Champions League Group D.

Since suffering a shock 2-1 home loss to Moldovan minnows Sheriff Tiraspol on Matchday 2, Real Madrid have gone from strength to strength in the Champions League, winning their last three Group D matches by an aggregate score of 10-1. Sat two points clear of a second-placed Inter they defeated 1-0 in the reverse fixture back in September, ‘Los Merengues’ would cement a seeded status if they avoid losing here. The Spaniards have now won three consecutive Champions League games against Inter, all since the start of last season. Moreover, ‘Los Blancos’ have racked up seven victories in eight home meetings with this opposition in European football (L1), including the last six in a row, all of which saw them score at least twice. Among sides to have played 50+ Champions League fixtures, Madrid’s average of 2.2 goals scored per match is second to none.

In the meantime, following a stuttering start to their Group D campaign (D1, L1), Inter Milan have put together three consecutive group stage wins to qualify for the Champions League knock-out stages for the first time after three failed attempts. But to leapfrog Madrid to the top of this group, ‘I Nerazzurri’ will have to defy their disappointing recent European record on Spanish soil, having won just one of their last 11 UEFA-sanctioned visits to the country (D1, L9). Furthermore, since beating Valencia 5-1 in October 2004, the reigning Serie A champions have lost five of their last six European away games at Spanish sides (D1). But after winning four of their last five competitive away matches by at least a two-goal margin (D1), Inter will be confident of snapping their rough run in Spain.