Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Francisco ‘Paco’ Buyo discussed Inter’s upcoming Champions League clash against the Spanish giants in an interview with Italian media outlet FcInterNews earlier today.

First, he commented on the current state of Zinedine Zidane’s side, who beat Huesca yesterday 4-1.

“Real started the season with many doubts and rotations with the eleven starters by the coach. But after the victory in the Clasico against Barcelona it was very important and it changed everything.

“It was a triumph of fundamental importance and now the players will get into shape. I also emphasize the draw against Borussia Monchengladbach.

“Los Blancos were down by two goals, but in the end, thanks to this love of being winners, they got the well-deserved draw that keeps them alive in the Champions League.”

He then touched on how the Nerazzurri are perceived in Spain.

“A team that is reborn. Already last season they fought against Juventus for the Scudetto, despite the fact that Serie A had been firmly in the hands of the Bianconeri for many years.

“This year the Nerazzurri have strengthened. The squad is composed of talented players. So, I think it is a dangerous squad in Europe and Italy for the title race.”

The former Real Madrid goalkeeper gave his opinion about Inter coach Antonio Conte.

“We are talking about a brave coach, who manages to get the best out of his players. I appreciate the way Inter are playing in this beginning of season.”

Buyo thought that Inter still had a chance to beat the Spanish side, despite not having 27-year-old Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku available.

“They can do it yes. I do not say no. But Madrid can’t go wrong and they know it. If they want to be first in the group, they have to beat Inter.

“And since the beginning of the season they are in their best moment. That doesn’t mean that they have reached the top, but surely, they are better now since they started playing again.

“They have recovered some players. It will be an interesting game. The personality of one or the other team could be the thing that affects the balance.”

He still thought that both Inter and Real Madrid were the favourites to progress out of the group into the next round.

“They remain favorites, but pay attention to the other two contenders. Shakhtar Donetsk are a brave team, with players who want to be seen in Europe.

“Gladbach were able to draw at San Siro and against Real. In short, you can’t leave any more points on the floor. For this reason, the game on Tuesday will be very important for Nerazzurri and los Blancos.”

The 62-year-old Spaniard spoke about Inter captain Samir Handanovic.

“A top-level goalkeeper. He gives security to the defense and is one of the strong points of the Nerazzurri team. He combines all the characteristics necessary to be a starter in a top team like Inter.”

He spoke about Inter striker Lautaro Martinez and if Real Madrid were ever interested in signing him.

“From what the team told me, Lautaro Martinez has never been in ideas of the club. In Barcelona he was, but clearly the Blaugrana could not pay the player’s release clause, let alone approach him.

“This is a great attacker. He, Lukaku and Hakimi could easily, on a theoretical level, be part of the future Real Madrid squad.”

Finally, Buyo spoke about new Inter signing Achraf Hakimi, who joined from Los Blancos in a deal worth around €40 million earlier this year, and if it was a mistake to let him go.

“I would say yes, even seeing the accidents that have happened in the Real Madrid house. This is a young player, with a spectacular trajectory, he is very interesting. Inter have bought a player that will be a starter for the next 10-12 years. And play at extraordinary levels.

“So, I think Madrid was wrong to give up the Moroccan, but I think it has something to do with the situation created by the coronavirus. Then here too there are young people who can do well now and in the future.”