Inter vs. Real Madrid 9/15/21 UEFA Champions League Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Inter is hosting Real Madrid at Giuseppe Meazza in round 1 of Group D of the UEFA Champions League. Inter is undefeated in their last 10 games, but their defense is starting to decline. Real Madrid is scoring a ton of goals, and Benzema has been playing in excellent form in LaLiga.

Inter was on a 9-game winning streak until they met with Sampdoria this past weekend, and that was when the streak ended. Inter was solid in that match with 48% of ball possession, 3 shots on goal, 4 corner kicks, 1 big chance created, and 78% of the correct passes. After leading twice in this game, Inter has conceded a goal in the 47^th minute, and they just weren’t able to get ahead once again. This game has ended in a 2-2 draw. Bastoni, Brazao, and Sensi are still injured for Inter, while Eriksen is still not cleared to apply. Despite selling Lukaku, Inter has been scoring a lot of goals, but it makes me wonder how many goals can Martinez, Dzeko, and Sanchez score, and if that will be enough for Inter to defend the title in Serie A, or to advance past the group stage in the Champions League.

Real Madrid has 3 wins and a draw in LaLiga so far this season, but they were able to keep only 1 clean sheet so far this season. Offensively, Real has been on great form with 13 goals in 4 games, and I don’t even think that is their best. In their game against Celta Vigo, Real Madrid has had 60% of ball possession, 11 shots on goal, 7 corner kicks, 5 big chances created, and 88% of the correct passes. Real Madrid conceded early, in the 4^th minute, but just 20 minutes later, Real has tied the score. In the 31^st minute, Real has conceded another goal, but everything was going their way in the second half. Real Madrid has scored 4 goals in the second half, and they ended up winning this match 5-2. We knew Real’s biggest problem is their defense, and that will be a problem for them for the whole season, but the good news is their offense is compensating, for now. This group in the Champions League is not too strong, and I see Real Madrid advancing to the next stage, but I’m not sure how far they can go after.

Inter has won only 1 game against Real Madrid, and that was back in 2014. Both teams are in solid form, but neither defense is giving the confidence that can stop the other team. I think we will see good soccer here, high pace, and quite a few goals.