Two giants who collided for the first time at the top meet again. This Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. Inter and Real Madrid will live a key duel in this Champions League. Two rulers of Europe whose lives are crossed.
Almost from the same fifth (Inter was born in 1908, Real Madrid in 1902), Real Madrid entered the successful history of Inter as a guest. The two met for the first time in Vienna in the final of the European Cup and this time he traveled to Milan thanks to Mazzola. It was the first for those from Lombardy and the second final in which the whites were left without a title after losing to Benfica.
That moment linked the two tours of the clubs that continued to be seen during the 80s in UEFA and for the last time in 98, like this Tuesday, in the group stage of the Champions League. Although 22 years have passed since that confrontation, both clubs have been linking their routes with different figures.
The galactics, sooner or later
Three signings marked the history of these clubs in the 90s and 2000s: Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo and Luis Figo. Sooner or later, all three wore the Inter and Real Madrid shirts. Roberto Carlos was a historic signing for the whites. The Brazilian took control of the left wing for a decade and won everything. A signing that they regretted at the Meazza almost every week.
Ronaldo's case was shorter but more intense. Tough injuries but a voracious talent at Inter who ended up moving to Madrid almost on the hour. Ballons d'Or, Leagues but, yes, a debt with the Champions League that was never settled in either club, although it was an idol for both.
The only galactic who made the way in reverse was Luis Figo. After finishing his time at Madrid, he enjoyed his last years at Inter Milan. Turned into an idol for the white fans by his transfer from Barcelona and his good level in Milan, he also felt important and the fans revered him in a time of triumph. So much so that he decided to hang up his boots there in 2009 and even got to work in the offices where the stripes mutated into a black suit and blue tie.
Jose Mourinho and two quotes with history
Materazzi and Jose Mourinho hugging on the ramp of the Santiago Bernabéu after winning the Champions League like the father who says goodbye to a son because he has to travel elsewhere. Jose Mourinho's pass from Inter to Real Madrid could not have had a better scenario. At the Santiago Bernabéu and with the European Cup present after beating Bayern and getting the treble. Absolute history of Inter that later, would also get in Madrid.
At the Bernabéu and already as a white coach, Jose Mourinho raised the team after a long lethargy and got a Cup that reversed the dynamics against Barcelona and a record League but the Champions League resisted him. Three times at the gates of the final that was denied even in the penalty shootout. Controversy, dizzying football and titles before returning to England and leaving an indelible mark that generates a state of opinion in everyone.
Before Madrid, Mou himself took over Italy and Europe, revitalizing Wesley Sneijder, a Dutchman who passed with his chiaroscuro dressed in white, to his best. Wesley touched the Ballon d'Or and shone with his own light.
Achraf, the last to arrive
There were more transfers but the last to arrive was Achraf Hakimi. The Moroccan left this summer after a good offer from Inter and has adapted perfectly to the defense of five of Antonio Conte, who almost imposed in Madrid, although his signing ended up being rejected two seasons ago.
Kovacic, Zamorano, who formed a blank lead with Ronaldo, Seedorf, who later ended up at Milan, Solari or Samuel were others who sooner or later undertook the journey. Lukaku stayed close to being a promising youngster at the Bernabéu and also, due to injury, will not be able to play against what could have been his team when he is now Inter's star.