What happened. Inter manager Cristian Chivu explained his unexpected team selection for the Champions League opener against Real Madrid, highlighting the need for pace and courage to defend space behind against the likes of Vinicius and Mbappe.

Curtis Jones makes first start for Inter.
Dimarco and Spence miss the trip.
Stones and Akanji start on the bench.

“We need players with the courage to defend space behind them.”
— Cristian Chivu

Inter face a tough test at Real Madrid, with both teams missing key players.

In this story

Inter

Real Madrid

C. Chivu

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