Champions League: Real and Inter Duel for Top Spot in Group D

Real Madrid vs Inter Milan

Real Madrid and Inter Milan are both through to the knockout stage of the Champions League. But there is still the small matter of top spot in Group D to settle when the two European giants collide in the final group game.

Real have the two-point advantage over Inter and will enter the match in fantastic form. A draw would be enough for them to win the group.

However, Inter have themselves been quite impressive over the last few weeks and will be keen to defy the Champions League 2021 betting odds in their visit to the Bernabeu.

Talking Points

Can Real keep winning run alive without Benzema?

Karim Benzema will likely not be available in their upcoming Champions League clash to Inter Milan — Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema in pain during a La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid pushed their current winning streak to eight games in a row and their unbeaten run to 11 games (10 wins, one draw) after beating Real Sociedad 2-0 over the weekend.

The red-hot Vinicius Jr scored once again to give Real the lead, while Luka Jovic – who came on for the injured Karim Benzema – sealed the win with a second goal.

Benzema will likely miss the big midweek match, which is a huge blow to Los Blancos. The French forward has scored 17 goals this season, including five in the Champions League.

Vinicius will have to take on a larger role in the attack in Benzema’s likely absence. The Brazilian has scored three goals in his last five appearances and also has two goals and three assists in five Champions League games.

Jovic, who has had a trying stint in Madrid thus far, will also get an opportunity to impress in what will likely be his first start of the season.

Aside from Benzema, though, Real do not have any immediate injury concerns. Their midfield trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro continues to go strong, while Eder Militao and David Alaba are quickly forming a formidable central defensive partnership.

Real have conceded just three goals thus far in the Champions League, which is tied for the second-best defensive record in the competition.

Inter still in impressive form

Inter Milan are flying at the moment. The reigning Italian champions are in second place in Serie A, one point behind rivals AC Milan, after winning their fourth game in a row.

The Nerazzurri are coming off a 3-0 hammering of old boss Jose Mourinho’s Roma thanks to first-half goals from Hakan Calhanoglu, Edin Dzeko, and Denzel Dumfries.

Dzeko has been one of the signings of the season. The 35-year-old striker has scored 11 goals this season, and has had his fair share of Champions League 2021 highlights with three goals.

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Calhanoglu is also proving to be a shrewd signing after coming over from rivals Milan on a free transfer. The Turkish playmaker has three goals and two assists in his last five appearances.

Meanwhile, Simone Inzaghi will be pleased with his side’s rock-solid, which has kept four consecutive clean sheets starting with their 2-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

Inter have been among the best defences in Europe with just three goals conceded in five group games.

Centre-back Stefan de Vrij missed the weekend win over Roma with a knock, but he will likely be available for their big midweek match, which will be a big boost to the Inter backline.

History

This will be the 19th meeting all-time between the two giants of European football. Real Madrid currently have a slight 9-7 edge in terms of wins, while there have been only two draws in the previous 18 games.

Real Madrid, who won both group games against Inter last season, made it three wins in a row against the Italians after claiming a 1-0 win at the San Siro back in September thanks to a late goal from Rodrygo.

Betting Tip

	Real Madrid vs Inter Milan	1X2 Draw @ 3.25
	December 08, 4:00 (GMT+8)

SBOTOP odds have Real Madrid installed as the 2.12 favourites to clinch top spot in the group with a home win. Inter are priced at 3.45 to pull of the upset and win Group D, while a draw is at 3.25.

While Inter have been in fine form of late, it’s still a tough ask to win at the Bernabeu, especially with Real in the midst of their own unbeaten run.

Benzema’s loss will no doubt be big blow to Los Blancos, but they should still have enough talent and experience to pick up the draw they need to seal top spot in Group D.