Real Madrid face Inter at San Siro tomorrow evening in their opening fixture of the 2021/22 Champions League. The pair met in the group stage last season, too, with Madrid winning both fixtures and Inter failing to make it out of their group. Madrid made it to the semi-final before being humbled by Chelsea.

Inter won the Scudetto last season but have seen much change over the summer. Antonio Conte, Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi all departed, with Simone Inzaghi heading north to Milan from Lazio. Speaking in comments carried by Marca, Inzaghi said that he’ll be paying close attention to Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, who’s started the season superbly.

“Vinicius is going through a great moment, but if we only look at him we will forget about [Karim] Benzema, [Eden] Hazard or Rodrygo Goes,” he said, paying respect to Madrid’s forwards. “But without a doubt we will be taking special care of Vinicius.

“Against Madrid we will have to be vigilant. They have great dribblers and we must know how to handle them for as long as possible. We will play with the knife between our teeth and we hope to have one of our best nights in front of our fans.”

As well as the aforementioned two, also in Group D are Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk and Moldovan outfit Sheriff. Madrid are in good form, top of La Liga with ten points from four games. They beat Celta Vigo 5-2 on Sunday evening. Inter are fourth in the Serie A table, with seven from three. They drew 2-2 with Sampdoria at the weekend.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Insider shares what 49ers told Deebo Samuel about his trade status ahead of draft
Yankees announce major injury update on three-time All-Star
Commanders suddenly cut pass-rusher after NFL reinstatement
Pelicans' Zion Williamson provides major update on hamstring injury
J.J. McCarthy says playing for this NFL team would be ‘a dream come true’
It's days of future past for Sabres in hiring Lindy Ruff as coach
Red Sox first baseman facing lengthy absence due to rib fracture
Insider bets Yankees star will 'get more money than' Shohei Ohtani — with one catch
Broncos exercise CB Patrick Surtain's fifth-year option
NBA Draft analyst shares positive outlook on Zach Edey's pro potential
NFL writer shares wild Bo Nix, J.J. McCarthy draft prediction
Purdue star Zach Edey officially enters 2024 NBA Draft
Canucks goalie to miss Game 2, potentially out for series
French World Cup winner reportedly heading to MLS
Rory McIlroy's return to PGA board could signal progress with LIV
Michael Jordan taking notice of young NBA star
Orioles to promote yet another top prospect
NFL insider shares bold take about potential Tom Brady comeback
Yankees' Juan Soto discusses struggles of Aaron Judge
Sixers to file grievance over officiating following Game 2 loss to Knicks