Jose Mourinho begins his latest Champions League campaign with Real Madrid against a familiar opponent Tuesday as Inter Milan visit the Santiago Bernabeu, 16 years after the Portuguese coach guided the Nerazzurri to European glory.
The meeting brings together two of Europe's biggest clubs, both looking to rebound from disappointing Champions League campaigns last season.
Real Madrid were eliminated by Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, while Inter suffered a stunning playoff exit against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.
For Mourinho, the occasion carries added significance. He returns to the competition with a club chasing a record-extending 16th European Cup, while facing the team he led to the Champions League title in 2010.
Real's pursuit of another European crown has become more urgent after Paris Saint-Germain claimed the title last season. They have also been eliminated in the quarterfinals in each of the past two editions, leaving them determined to make a deeper run this time.
