Tuesday brings Champions League action as Real Madrid and Inter Milan meet at the Santiago Bernabéu. My Real Madrid vs. Inter Milan predictions focus on Real Madrid’s defensive unit and its weaknesses, which is why I’m taking Inter Milan to cover the spread in a high-scoring game.
Real Madrid are 61% favorites, with a tie at 21% and an Inter Milan win at 19%. Read on for my free betting picks for Tuesday, September 8, with kickoff at 3:00 p.m. ET on Paramount+.
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Real Madrid vs Inter Milan picks and predictions
My Real Madrid vs Inter Milan top pick: Inter Milan +0.5 (43% probability)
My confidence in Inter Milan covering comes from Real Madrid’s defense. After all, this team has conceded in three of four games to start the season. Of the expected back four, three were new signings this summer, and they haven't developed chemistry and an understanding of each other’s play. Additionally, Denzel Dumfries is playing at right-back despite playing in a back five as wingback for the majority of his career.
This disjointed defense sits behind a midfield likely missing Aurelien Tchouameni, while the Real Madrid attack continues to lack balance, largely due to the several key attackers wanting to take up space on the left flank, which is then an issue defensively when hit on the counter.
My Real Madrid vs Inter Milan Over/Under pick: Over 2.5 (71% probability)
Despite confidence in Inter winning on the spread, this Real Madrid team can still score. Jude Bellingham is thriving under Mourinho and — besides Kylian Mbappe — is the team’s main goal threat. You’d also expect Arda Guler to continue creating chances. While his reading of the game and passing are a threat, he needs Bellingham and Mbappe to find space if Real are to have a chance.
In Lautaro Martinez, the Italian side has a real goal threat in the box. With Inter having numbers in the center of midfield and width from the wing-backs, they can create overloads both centrally — with Real’s attackers too high — and also out wide, against this back four who have barely played together.
This midfield should translate to goals, especially with a deep bench who can change the game. Hakan Calhanoglu breaks the lines with his passing when called upon, but it’s Nicolo Barella and Piotr Zielinski who can have a big day if the likes of Mbappe and Vinicius Junior don’t do their defensive work.
Real Madrid vs Inter Milan combo
Both teams to score
Inter Milan +0.5
Both teams have natural finishers up front, and there are players with both pace and guile on the field, so we should see both teams scoring, but it’s Inter — with their more settled team — that will cover the spread.
Real Madrid vs Inter Milan odds
Real Madrid
Inter MilanOdds courtesy of DraftKings Predictions.
How to watch Real Madrid vs Inter Milan
| Location | Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain |
| Date | Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026 |
| Time | 3 p.m. ET |
| TV | Paramount+ |
| Weather | Temperatures in the high 80s |
Real Madrid vs Inter Milan key injuries
Real Madrid: Ferland Mendy LB (Out), Raul Asencio CB (Out), Rodrygo FWR (Out), Aurelien Tchouameni CM (Questionable), Endrick STR (Questionable).
Inter Milan: Djed Spence FB (Out).
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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