Inter face Real Madrid at the Bernabéu with a 60-year wait for victory hanging over them.
Cristian Chivu knows Inter are walking into one of European football’s most intimidating arenas, but the Nerazzurri coach insists they will not abandon their identity as they attempt to end a six-decade wait for victory at Real Madrid.
Inter Milan’s Champions League campaign could hardly begin with a bigger test.
The Nerazzurri travel to the Santiago Bernabéu to face Real Madrid, returning to the stadium where the club created one of the greatest nights in its history when José Mourinho led them to victory there during their treble-winning campaign in 2010.
🚨 BREAKING: REAL MADRID VS. INTER AT HOME! pic.twitter.com/aKJDfmMTmM
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) August 27, 2026
More than 15 years later, Chivu wants his own Inter side to write a new chapter.
“We have an obligation to write important pages in the history of this club,” Chivu said ahead of the showdown.
It is a daunting assignment. Inter have not won at the Bernabéu for 60 years, leaving Chivu’s team with the opportunity to break a remarkable hoodoo while making an early statement in the Champions League.
But the Romanian does not want his players to become distracted by the history surrounding the fixture.
Chivu Refuses to Hide From Real Madrid
The Bernabéu has proved an unforgiving destination for visiting sides, but Chivu insists Inter will approach the match with the same principles that have guided them domestically.
“Playing at the Bernabéu is never easy for anyone,” he said. “It has been 60 years since Inter won here.”
Rather than sitting deep and hoping to survive, Chivu wants Inter to be proactive. “We will do our best, but without changing who we are. We want to be dominant, we want to show that we have grown.”
The Gaffer speaks ahead of tomorrow 🎙️
Read more here ➡️ https://t.co/qjgUM0nn6I pic.twitter.com/r09WxvK2FU
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) September 7, 2026
That mentality will be tested against a Real Madrid side packed with elite talent and managed by a coach Chivu knows extremely well.
Mourinho has returned to Madrid, creating an intriguing subplot given his relationship with Chivu.
The Inter boss was part of Mourinho’s treble-winning side and credits the Portuguese for helping him through one of the most difficult periods of his life.
“Mourinho is a special person for me,” Chivu admitted. “Meeting him was a stroke of luck.” Yet the Inter coach insists their reunion will not mean copying the tactics that brought Mourinho so much success.
“I have never copied anyone,” Chivu said. “I have my own idea of football.”
Real Madrid Still Finding Their Feet
Chivu believes Real Madrid have made a solid start under Mourinho despite suffering defeat in their most recent outing.
The Inter coach was reluctant to read too much into the result, arguing that Madrid were unfortunate to lose.
“The start has been balanced,” he said. He also highlighted the challenge facing players still adapting to life at one of football’s biggest clubs.
“There are players who still have to get used to what it means to play for Real Madrid, which is never simple.” But Chivu knows the quality waiting on the other side.
🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: José Mourinho: “I want to beat Inter tomorrow.”
“I could repeat that I want to play well, but we played well vs Real Betis too and then we lost, so: I want to WIN.” pic.twitter.com/Rbp2NkyzAH
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) September 7, 2026
Madrid have an experienced coach and a squad capable of punishing even the smallest mistake, making Inter’s desire to dominate a potentially dangerous gamble.
