Real Madrid football stars Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde were on target as José Mourinho began his latest Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid made a blistering start to their European campaign, scoring twice inside the opening 23 minutes to put Inter under early pressure.
Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 14th minute after Brahim Díaz capitalised on an Inter mistake and set up the French forward, who finished first-time to give Madrid the lead.
Valverde doubled the advantage nine minutes later, pouncing after Inter goalkeeper Josep Martínez lost possession under pressure. The Uruguayan midfielder’s goal gave Madrid a commanding 2-0 lead despite Inter enjoying long spells of possession.
Inter refused to surrender and continued to create opportunities, forcing Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into a series of important saves.
The Italian side eventually found a way through in the 77th minute when Carlos Augusto pulled one back, setting up a tense finale at the Bernabéu.
Madrid survived Inter’s late pressure to secure all three points and open their Champions League campaign with a victory.
Courtois was particularly influential, producing several crucial interventions to protect Mourinho’s side as Inter pushed for an equaliser. Reuters described Madrid as having capitalised on Inter’s defensive errors despite the visitors enjoying the greater share of possession.
The victory also provided Mourinho with a memorable European return against his former club. The Portuguese manager famously guided Inter to the Champions League title in 2010 before later managing Real Madrid.
Speaking after the match, Mourinho admitted the game had been chaotic and praised Courtois for his outstanding performance. He also highlighted Valverde’s tactical contribution and said securing three points at the start of the league phase was crucial.
For Mbappé, the goal was another significant Champions League milestone, while Valverde’s all-action display earned him the official Player of the Match award.
Real Madrid now have three points from their opening Champions League fixture, while Inter will have to regroup quickly as the league phase continues.
