Inter’s Champions League draw pits Liverpool and Mourinho’s Real Madrid

Inter will face Curtis Jones’ former side Liverpool and the Jose Mourinho‑led Real Madrid in the upcoming Champions League draw, a pairing that promises both nostalgia and a daunting test for the Italian champions. The draw, conducted in Monaco, sets the stage for Inter’s quest to translate domestic success into European glory.

The Champions League 2026/27 League Phase draw was performed this evening in Monaco, finalising the Phase for the competition. Players and staff of FC Internazionale Milano had just celebrated being confirmed as Serie A champions after the MAY 03 match against Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, ITALY.

Inter’s group opponents

Inter’s group features Liverpool at home, Real Madrid away, Club Brugge at home, Borussia Dortmund away, Shakhtar Donetsk at home, Feyenoord away, Stuttgart at home and Slovan Bratislava away. The full fixture list with dates and kick‑off times is expected on Saturday August 29, with the first games kicking off on Tuesday September 8.

Historical challenges and emotional ties

Having entered as top seeds after reaching the Champions League final twice in the last four seasons, Inter lost controversially at home to Liverpool 1‑0 via a late penalty in December 2025. They have only beaten Liverpool twice in seven meetings – a 1‑0 win at Anfield in 2022 and a 3‑0 victory in the 1965 European Cup semi‑final.

Draw sets Italian clubs' paths in the 2026/27 Champions League

Curtis Jones’ new contract with Inter runs to June 2031, a move that will see the former Liverpool midfielder face his old teammates immediately. It is bound to be emotional for Jones, who spent his entire career at his hometown club Liverpool, and the Scouser will reunite with former colleagues on the pitch.

The trip to the Bernabeu also promises an emotional reunion with Jose Mourinho, who guided Inter to a treble in 2010 before moving to Real Madrid. Cristian Chivu, now head coach of the Italian champions, was a defender in that historic campaign, and Mourinho will again host his beloved Nerazzurri on the Real Madrid bench.

Beyond Madrid, Inter face other demanding away tests, including Borussia Dortmund and a Feyenoord side that performs very differently on the road, while Slovan Bratislava could prove tricky in winter conditions. Their record against Real Madrid is also bleak, having lost each of their last four Champions League meetings, the most recent in December 2021, with only a 2‑0 away win in 1967 as a bright spot.

Monaco hosts Champions League draw as French clubs await their fate

Images captured by Marco Luzzani/Getty show the celebratory flag unveiled by Players and staff after the Serie A title clinch, underscoring the club’s confidence heading into Europe. NO MOBILE DEVICES were used during the ceremony, highlighting the focus on the upcoming Champions League challenges.