Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the scheduling of his side’s Champions League campaign ahead of Tuesday’s meeting with former club Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

The Portuguese coach is looking for a response after Madrid suffered their first domestic defeat of the season against Real Betis.

Mourinho also expressed surprise that Inter have not won the Champions League since his treble-winning team lifted the trophy in 2010. 

He praised the Italian club’s consistency, noting that their playing style has remained largely unchanged through the managerial tenures of Antonio Conte, Simone Inzaghi and Cristian Chivu.

The Real Madrid boss also took a light-hearted swipe at the fixture schedule, pointing out that his team will be without Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva and Eduardo Camavinga through suspension. 

“Maybe the person who made the fixture list was Italian,” Mourinho joked, while insisting that the match would still be 11 against 11.

Mourinho dismissed suggestions of a strained relationship with Chivu, who played under him at Inter before moving into management. 

The Romanian coach guided Inter to a domestic league and cup double last season, and Mourinho insisted that their history together remains positive despite speculation of a disagreement.

Real Madrid head into the European fixture after their defeat by Real Betis ended a three-game winning run in La Liga. 

Mourinho said he was pleased with the squad’s reaction in training after the loss but demanded greater efficiency in front of goal, insisting that playing well would mean little if his team continued to lose matches.

The Champions League opener presents an important opportunity for Mourinho and his team to start their European campaign on a positive note. 

With Real Madrid targeting progression to the next phase and Inter arriving in search of points, Mourinho expects a competitive encounter and believes both clubs have the quality to advance further in the tournament.