The UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 League Phase features a monumental Matchday 5 contest as Atlético Madrid hosts Inter Milan at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid. Scheduled for Wednesday, November 26, 2025, this fixture is a clash of European titans with significant qualification implications, recalling their dramatic Round of 16 tie from the previous season.
Inter Milan, one of the top-performing teams in the competition, currently sits high in 3rd position with a perfect 12 points from four matches, having won all their games. The Nerazzurri need just one point to secure a guaranteed top-eight seeding. Atlético Madrid, led by their former Inter legend Diego Simeone, is precariously placed in 20th position with 6 points. Los Rojiblancos are under pressure to secure a win to significantly improve their standing for the knockout play-offs. This contest is a tactical chess match between Simeone’s renowned defensive mettle and Inter’s devastating attacking fluency and perfect European record.
Match Details
This midweek European blockbuster is a high-voltage night in Madrid, with both clubs having contrasting but high-stakes objectives for the result.
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League |
| Phase | League Phase – Matchday 5 |
| Date | Wednesday, November 26, 2025 |
| Kick-off | 8:00 PM GMT (9:00 PM CET) |
| Venue | Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain |
Team Form and Analysis for Atlético Madrid
Champions League Pressure and Recent Defensive Strength
Atlético Madrid currently holds 20th position in the Champions League League Phase standings with 6 points, a record of two wins and two losses.
Diego Simeone’s side has endured an inconsistent European campaign so far, with their most recent result being a strong 3-1 home victory over Union Saint-Gilloise. This victory was a much-needed confidence boost as they face an uphill battle for seeding. Crucially, their overall form is strong, arriving on a five-match winning streak across all competitions. Defensively, Atlético have tightened up considerably, conceding only two goals in their last five matches, suggesting a return to their classic defensive strength. The Rojiblancos will lean heavily on their formidable home atmosphere, seeking to recreate the energy from their penalty shootout victory over Inter in the Round of 16 last season. However, they face key defensive absences, with key defenders Robin Le Normand and Marcos Llorente (thigh injury) both ruled out. Simeone is likely to employ a cautious yet high-energy approach, prioritizing defensive solidity against Inter’s potent attack.
Key Player: Julián Álvarez
Forward Julián Álvarez is the vital attacking link for Atlético Madrid. Despite a quiet spell in front of goal recently, the Argentine striker remains essential to Simeone’s system due to his relentless pressing, intelligent movement, and ability to drop deep to link play. Álvarez has already contributed to four goals (two goals, two assists) in three Champions League appearances this season, demonstrating his impact when it matters most. His movement will be crucial for unsettling Inter’s well-drilled back three and creating chances for himself and his striking partner. The Metropolitano faithful will be relying on him to deliver a decisive performance.
Team Form and Analysis for Inter Milan
Perfect Champions League Run and Defensive Solidity
Inter Milan currently occupies 3rd position in the Champions League League Phase standings with a perfect 12 points, recording four wins from four matches.
The current European runners-up have been in devastating form in this competition, securing a flawless run with 11 goals scored and only 1 conceded. This includes comprehensive victories over Slavia Praha (3-0) and Union SG (4-0). They are one of only three teams this season to have won their first four matches. Inter’s European away form is also superb, arriving with a six-game unbeaten streak in Champions League road fixtures. However, their excellent run was recently halted by a 1-0 defeat to city rivals AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina at the weekend, which ended their five-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. Manager Cristian Chivu is aiming to avoid the play-off round and secure a top-eight seeding. Their strategy will rely on the tactical intelligence of the back three, the control provided by the central midfield, and the clinical finishing of their attacking duo. Key absentees include midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan and wing-back Denzel Dumfries.
Key Player: Lautaro Martínez
Striker Lautaro Martínez is the undisputed leader and goal-scoring talisman for Inter Milan. Despite being kept scoreless in the recent Milan derby, the Argentine World Cup winner is a constant threat and a relentless worker in the final third. He provides the clinical finishing and high-level pressing that is central to Inter’s system. Martínez has been an integral part of Inter’s incredible Champions League run, and his performance against Atlético’s defense—a team he scored against in last season’s tie—will be the most important factor in whether Inter can maintain their perfect record and secure the crucial point needed for top-eight qualification.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The rivalry between these two European heavyweights, intensified by their recent knockout clash, has been tight and fiercely contested.
| Metric | Atlético Madrid Wins | Draws | Inter Milan Wins |
| Total Competitive Matches | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Last UCL Meeting (Mar 2024) | Atlético Madrid 2-1 Inter Milan (3-2 pens) | ||
| Total Goals Scored (Competitive) | 4 | 4 |
The historical competitive record is perfectly balanced, with two wins each and one draw in five total meetings. Their most memorable encounters were their two-legged Round of 16 tie last season, where Inter won the first leg 1-0, and Atlético won the second leg 2-1 (3-2 on penalties) at the Metropolitano. Atlético also won a 2010 UEFA Super Cup match (2-0). The intensity of this rivalry is high, with the pendulum swinging back and forth, indicating another closely fought contest.
Players to Watch
Atlético Madrid
- Alexander Sørloth (Striker): The Norwegian target man provides power and a crucial aerial presence up front. His ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play will be vital for relieving pressure from Inter’s high press and launching counter-attacks.
- Pablo Barrios (Central Midfielder): The young Spanish midfielder has stepped up this season, providing energy and technical ability in the central areas. His composure on the ball and passing range will be essential for controlling the midfield battle against the experienced Inter unit.
Inter Milan
- Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Central Midfielder): The Turkish international is the deep-lying playmaker and set-piece specialist for Inter. His control of the tempo, incisive vertical passing, and defensive screening are crucial for the Italian side’s tactical structure.
- Alessandro Bastoni (Central Defender): The young Italian defender is key to Inter’s build-up, often carrying the ball out of defense to initiate attacks. His pace and tactical awareness will be vital for covering the space behind Inter’s wing-backs and neutralizing Álvarez’s movement.
Prediction
This match is a classic clash of styles, with Atlético Madrid’s tactical pragmatism and defensive grit facing Inter Milan’s almost perfect run built on defensive solidity and clinical attacking. Inter’s perfect record and desire for a guaranteed top-eight seeding mean they have slightly less pressure than the hosts, who desperately need three points. However, the Metropolitano remains a fortress where Atlético thrives on big European nights, and their recent defensive improvements are significant. Given the fine margins between these two sides and the immense tactical discipline expected from both coaches, a tightly contested low-scoring draw is the most likely outcome, a result that would greatly benefit the visiting side.
Score Prediction: Atlético Madrid 1-1 Inter Milan
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This UEFA Champions League League Phase fixture is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms globally.
The match kicks off on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 8:00 PM GMT (9:00 PM CET).
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3 and a live stream will be available on Discovery+ and the Discovery+ App.
In the United States (US), the match will be available to watch and stream live on Paramount+ and ViX.
In Spain, the match will be broadcast live on Movistar+. In Italy, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport Uno and Mediaset.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions, as the match will be shown across the UEFA Champions League’s international broadcast partners globally.
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality

