Real Madrid Bounce Back with Champions League Win Over Inter
Real Madrid opened their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu, bouncing back from a weekend defeat to Real Betis in style. Jose Mourinho's return to the competition got off to a winning start, even if his side had to survive a nervy finish against a resurgent Inter side.
Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde either side of a Carlos Augusto strike for the visitors secured all three points for Los Blancos on Matchday 1 of the new league phase format.
How the Match Unfolded
Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm in the opening exchanges, with Inter enjoying the better share of possession and forcing Thibaut Courtois into a couple of early saves. Despite being second-best for large spells, Madrid made their first real chance count.
14th minute: A defensive mix-up from Inter's Yann Bisseck allowed Brahim Diaz to slip in Kylian Mbappe, who finished emphatically to put the hosts 1-0 up — his fifth goal of the season.
23rd minute: Inter were caught out again just nine minutes later. Goalkeeper Josep Martinez hesitated on the ball and attempted an ill-advised turn, allowing Federico Valverde — playing his first game since being named club captain — to poke home and double the lead.
Inter responded well and dominated large periods of the remaining first half, going close through a Hakan Calhanoglu free-kick that Courtois did well to keep out. Martinez then partially redeemed himself with a stunning stoppage-time double save to deny both Mbappe and Jude Bellingham a third for Madrid.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Real Madrid's best opportunities coming on the counter. Brahim Diaz again produced a clever assist, this time teeing up Bellingham, only for Martinez to block on the line. Denzel Dumfries then spurned a great chance from the rebound, firing over the bar.
77th minute: Inter got themselves back into the contest when substitute Carlos Augusto finished crisply from 10 meters, assisted by Lautaro Martinez, to make it 2-1.
The goal set up a tense finish, with Inter throwing men forward in search of an equalizer. Real Madrid held firm, however, with Courtois producing a crucial late save to preserve the win as Mourinho's side saw out the remaining minutes.
Key Talking Points
- Mbappe's milestone: With his opener, Kylian Mbappe moved level with Real Madrid legend Raul on the all-time Champions League scoring charts, joint-fifth with 71 career goals in the competition.
- Valverde's first goal as captain: Federico Valverde's strike was his first goal since being handed the Real Madrid captaincy over the summer.
- Costly Inter errors: Both Real Madrid goals stemmed directly from defensive and goalkeeping mistakes, a theme Inter boss Cristian Chivu will want to address quickly.
- Mourinho's return: The win marked Jose Mourinho's first Champions League match back in the competition with Real Madrid, getting his campaign off to a winning start despite a below-par performance.
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