Real Madrid defeat Inter 2-1 at the Bernabéu in Champions League opener

Madrid strike twice after defensive miscues

Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Inter at the Santiago Bernabéu in the opening fixture of the Champions League league phase. The Spanish side took control in the first half by exploiting two defensive mistakes within a 10-minute span. The opening goal arrived when Kylian Mbappé converted after a misplaced ball in the Inter penalty area involving Yann Bisseck. Shortly after, Inter goalkeeper Josep Martínez lost possession attempting a dribble near his own goal line, allowing Federico Valverde to intercept and double the lead.

Thibaut Courtois prevented Inter from opening the scoring in the fourth minute with a reflex save against Marcus Thuram. Despite falling behind by two goals, Inter maintained an attacking posture and created multiple opportunities against a Real Madrid lineup missing several regular starters.

Inter respond with second-half pressure

Josep Martínez recovered from his initial blunder by making key saves on attempts from Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham in the second half. Inter reduced the deficit around the 75th minute when Carlos Augusto scored from an assist by captain Lautaro Martínez. Carlos Augusto and Andy Diouf tested Madrid's flanks throughout the half before Carlos Augusto was substituted due to fatigue.

Inter manager Cristian Chivu defended his goalkeeper after the final whistle, pointing to the team's persistence under pressure.

I am happy with the courage of my team and how they overcame the difficult moments and the reaction they had, the body language. We put in a good performance, trying to be dominant makes me happy and optimistic for the future. Mistakes are part of the game, but we stayed in the match and believed until the end.

Tactical adjustments and individual ratings

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho adjusted his lineup to compensate for absences, fielding Trent Alexander-Arnold in central midfield alongside Federico Valverde. Courtois remained central to the victory, denying further attempts from Lautaro Martínez and Curtis Jones to preserve the lead.

In player ratings published by Corriere della Sera, Courtois earned a match-high score of 7.5 for his decisive saves, while Valverde received a 7.0 for his midfield contribution and goal. On the Italian side, Lautaro Martínez received a 6.5, whereas defender Benjamin Pavard was rated at 4.5 following defensive struggles that led to his substitution at halftime.

Reunion between Mourinho and Chivu

The fixture served as a reunion for Mourinho and Chivu, who won the Champions League together at the Santiago Bernabéu 16 years earlier when Chivu played under the Portuguese manager at Inter. Both managers embraced before and after the final whistle, with Chivu describing his deep personal affection for his former coach.

Mourinho noted that the open nature of the match created opportunities on both ends of the pitch rather than a controlled tactical affair.

What did I like? The result, three points in the opening match against a very strong team. A match I think was spectacular for those at home and in the stadium, not for me and for Chivu. It could have been 5-0 for us, 5-5, 6-5, 7-5...