Inter Milan ready for Madrid: a crucial Champions League test

Confidence is high as Inter Milan head to the Metropolitano aiming for a fifth straight Champions League win

It’s Champions League time once again, and Inter Milan arrive with the confidence of a team riding a flawless run of four wins from four in the group stage. 

In Madrid, Cristian Chivu’s side will take on one of the most demanding away matches of their campaign, facing Atlético tonight at 21:00 CET — a high-intensity showdown against an opponent known for physical strength, relentless rhythm, and lethal transitions.

For the Nerazzurri, currently perfect in Europe, this is a test of maturity and consistency, a pivotal moment that could shape the rest of their continental journey.

Previous Meetings

The clash at the Metropolitano will be the fourth official meeting between Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan. 

Their first came in the 2010 UEFA Super Cup, won 2–0 by the Spanish side. The second and third were in the 2023/24 Champions League Round of 16: Inter Milan claimed the first leg at San Siro, but Atlético overturned the tie at home and advanced on penalties.

Spanish away days have historically been difficult for Inter Milan, who have failed to win in Spain in their last twelve European matches. 

Their most recent victory on Spanish soil dates back to the 2004/05 Champions League, a 5–1 triumph over Valencia. 

The last positive result was a 3–3 draw against Barcelona in last season’s semi-final first leg.

The rivalry stretches beyond official competitions. In 1997, Atlético defeated Inter Milan 1–0 in the Trofeo Villa de Madrid with a goal from Christian Vieri — and Diego Simeone, now the Atlético coach, played for Inter Milan that day. 

Other notable meetings include two matches in 1964, a 2–2 draw in Milan and a 4–2 Atlético win, and a 2–0 win for the Spaniards in Cádiz in 1977.

One memorable modern moment came in 2018 during the International Champions Cup, when Lautaro Martínez scored a stunning acrobatic strike to give Inter Milan a 1–0 win at the Metropolitano. 

More recently, under Chivu, Inter Milan faced Atlético in a friendly in Benghazi, drawing 1–1 before losing on penalties.

Inter Milan’s European numbers

Inter Milan’s current Champions League run is impeccable: four wins from four matches, a record matched only by Bayern Munich and Arsenal this season. 

The club has never opened a campaign with five straight European victories — a milestone they now look to achieve.

Chivu’s team has built its success on defensive excellence. Inter Milan have not conceded from open play in this Champions League; their only goal allowed came from a corner against Kairat. Their reading of the game and overall defensive structure have been decisive.

Their aerial dominance is equally impressive. Inter Milan lead the entire competition both in total aerial duels won (69) and success rate (69%), a sign of their physical presence and reliability in decisive moments.

Lautaro Reaches a Milestone

For Lautaro Martínez, the match in Madrid could mark a symbolic achievement. Should he start, he will reach 50 Champions League appearances from the opening whistle — joining legends such as Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso, Iván Córdoba, and Julio César.

He also recently reached 350 appearances for Inter Milan across all competitions. Debuting on 19 August 2018, he has since scored 161 goals, averaging 0.46 goals per game, making him the fourth-highest scorer in Inter Milan’s history.

Pio Esposito’s Breakthrough

A standout of Inter Milan’s European campaign has been Pio Esposito. Among U21 players in the group stage, only Lamine Yamal and Estêvão have generated more shots per 90 minutes. 

With 13 shots and seven chances created in just 274 minutes, Esposito averages 6.6 shot involvements per match — an indicator of his confidence, maturity, and growing influence.

The Opponent: Atlético Madrid

Diego Simeone’s Atlético remain one of Europe’s toughest sides, especially at the Metropolitano. 

They have won eleven of their last twelve Champions League home matches and hold the highest number of home victories since the start of the 2023/24 season. Their intensity, structure, and home support make them a formidable opponent.

In this year’s group stage, Atlético have six points from four matches, with ten goals scored and nine conceded. 

Their campaign began with a 3–2 defeat at Liverpool, followed by a stunning 5–1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt. They then lost 4–0 at Arsenal before beating Union Saint-Gilloise 3–1 at home.

Their attacking strength at home stands out: five goals against Eintracht and three against Union underline their momentum. 

Transitions are their most dangerous weapon — 40% of their goals this season have come from counter-attacks, the highest in the competition.

In La Liga, Atlético remain in excellent form with 28 points from 13 matches, having scored 25 goals and conceded 11. They are on a five-match winning streak, highlighting their rhythm and efficiency.

Simeone is expected to field a 4-4-2: Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Baena; Álvarez and Griezmann.

A high-level European battle awaits as Inter Milan seek to extend their perfect run against one of the most challenging opponents on the continent.

Source: inter.it