Real Madrid started their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign with a crucial 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday.
José Mourinho’s side made the most of Inter’s defensive errors to build a two-goal lead before surviving a late second-half fightback from the Italian giants.
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Fede Valverde doubled Real Madrid’s advantage in the 23rd minute. Inter dominated possession for most parts of the game and eventually pulled one back through Carlos Augusto in the 77th minute.
Thibaut Courtois produced many crucial saves in the closing stages as Real Madrid held on to secure all three points in Mourinho’s return to Bernabeu.
Mbappé Breaks The Deadlock
Inter started brightly and created promising situations in the opening stages, but Real Madrid punished a costly defensive error in the 14th minute.
Curtis Jones came under pressure while attempting to progress the ball, with Yann Bisseck also involved in the defensive mix-up. Brahim Díaz capitalised on the loose ball and provided the opening for Mbappé, who calmly finished past Josep Martínez to put Madrid ahead.
The goal was also significant for Mbappé individually, taking his Champions League tally to 71 goals and moving him level with Real Madrid legend Raúl on the competition’s all-time scoring list.
Valverde Doubles Madrid’s Lead
Despite trailing, Inter continued to enjoy considerable possession and looked capable of causing problems for the Madrid defence.
However, another costly mistake allowed Real Madrid to strike again in the 23rd minute.
Inter goalkeeper Josep Martínez took too long while attempting to play out from inside his own area. Valverde pressed aggressively, won the ball and finished into the unguarded net to give Madrid a 2-0 lead.
The two goals underlined Madrid’s efficiency, with Mourinho’s side capitalising ruthlessly on mistakes despite Inter enjoying more of the ball.
Mourinho’s Tactical Gamble
Mourinho made one of the biggest tactical calls before kick-off by putting Trent Alexander-Arnold alongside Valverde in midfield.
The positioning allowed Jude Bellingham to operate higher up the pitch, with Brahim Díaz, Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé providing further attacking options.
However, Inter repeatedly found space in midfield and were able to dominate possession. The visitors finished the match with around 64 percent of the ball and created enough opportunities to trouble Madrid throughout the evening.
Inter returned from the break with greater attacking intent and steadily increased the pressure on Mourinho’s side.
Madrid struggled to maintain control as the visitors continued to create chances, while Courtois became increasingly important between the posts.
Inter finally found their reward in the 77th minute. Lautaro Martínez received the ball on the right and delivered a low pass across the area, where Carlos Augusto arrived to sweep the ball home and reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Courtois Saves Mourinho’s Side
Inter pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the final stages, but Courtois repeatedly stood between the visitors and a point.
The Belgian goalkeeper made several crucial saves, including interventions that preserved Madrid’s narrow advantage as Inter continued to threaten. Courtois was subsequently widely praised as one of the decisive performers of the match.
Real Madrid ultimately survived the late pressure to seal a 2-1 victory.
The result gives Mourinho a winning start to his latest Champions League campaign with Real Madrid and time to settle.