The UEFA Champions League is heating up, and one of the most anticipated clashes in Matchday 5 is Atlético Madrid vs Inter Milan. Set to take place on November 26, 2025, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, this fixture pits two tactical powerhouses against each other. Diego Simeone’s Atlético, known for their gritty home form, face a resurgent Inter side under Cristian Chivu, who boast a perfect record in Europe this season. With both teams vying for top-eight seeding in the league phase, expect a battle of contrasting styles: Atlético’s high-pressing transitions versus Inter’s structured build-up.
In this comprehensive preview, we’ll dive into the head-to-head history, match details, potential lineups, and a bold score prediction.
Head-to-Head: A Rivalry of Narrow Margins and High Stakes
Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan have a storied, albeit infrequent, rivalry in European competitions, with their encounters often decided by the finest of margins. Across five official meetings—all in UEFA competitions—the record stands at 2 wins for Atlético, 2 for Inter, and 1 draw. Goals have been scarce, averaging just 1.8 per game, highlighting the defensive masterclasses both sides deliver.
Match Details: Date, Time, Venue, and How to Watch
This blockbuster is part of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phase, with both teams chasing crucial points. Atlético sit 17th with six points from four games (two home wins, two away losses), while Inter are flying high in third with a perfect 12 points from four victories—no goals conceded from open play yet.
- Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 20:00 UTC (21:00 CET / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT)
- Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain (Capacity: 68,000)
Potential Lineups: Simeone’s Steel vs Chivu’s Structure
Injuries will shape both sides, but Simeone and Chivu are expected to stick to their trusted systems. Atlético’s 4-4-2 emphasizes midfield bite and quick transitions, while Inter’s 3-5-2 focuses on wing-back width and aerial dominance (they lead the UCL in aerial duels won with 69).
Atlético Madrid Predicted XI (4-4-2)
With Jan Oblak (knee) and Robin Le Normand (knee) out, and Marcos Llorente a doubt, Juan Musso steps in goal. Julián Álvarez (7 UCL goals this season) partners Alexander Sørloth up top for pace and power.
- GK: Juan Musso
- DEF: Nahuel Molina, José María Giménez, Dávid Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri
- MID: Giuliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Koke (C), Nicolás González
- FWD: Alexander Sørloth, Julián Álvarez
Key Players: Álvarez has overperformed his xG massively (+7.6 since 2023/24), scoring in both home UCL games this season. Koke anchors the midfield, dictating tempo.
Inter Milan Predicted XI (3-5-2)
Denzel Dumfries (ankle), Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Matteo Darmian are sidelined, but Lautaro Martínez (4 UCL goals) leads the line. Hakan Çalhanoğlu pulls strings from deep.
- GK: Yann Sommer
- DEF: Manuel Akanji, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni
- MID: Carlos Augusto, Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Martin Baturina, Federico Dimarco
- FWD: Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martínez (C)
Key Players: Martínez could hit 50 UCL starts, with 12 goals in his last 11 appearances. Dimarco’s crosses feed Thuram’s aerial threat.
These lineups suggest a midfield war, with Atlético’s energy clashing against Inter’s composure.
Score Prediction: Atlético Madrid 2-1 Inter Milan
This matchup screams caution, given the H2H’s low-goal trend and both teams’ defensive prowess. Atlético’s fortress-like home form (3+ goals in both UCL home wins this season) gives them the edge, but Inter’s unbeaten European run and Martinez’s form make them dangerous on the counter. Simeone’s side start fast— they’ve scored first in all 13 La Liga games—and could exploit Inter’s post-derby fragility.
