Mbappé draws level with a legend after scoring his 71st Champions League goal

Kylian Mbappé turned an Inter mistake into the opening goal at the Santiago Bernabéu and reached another major European milestone in the process. The Real Madrid forward now has 71 Champions League goals, drawing level with club legend Raúl.

Madrid defeated Inter 2-1 to open their Champions League campaign with three points. Mbappé struck in the 14th minute after putting Yann Bisseck under pressure. Brahim Díaz collected the loose ball and released the Frenchman, who finished underneath the goalkeeper.

MBAPPÉ CATCHES RAÚL

It was Mbappé’s 71st goal in 99 Champions League appearances. Raúl recorded the same total across 142 games in the competition.

The two forwards now share fifth place in the all-time scoring standings. Cristiano Ronaldo leads with 140 goals, followed by Lionel Messi on 129, Robert Lewandowski on 109 and Karim Benzema on 90.

Mbappé’s total includes goals for AS Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. His latest milestone, however, arrived in the white shirt and at a stadium where Champions League records carry particular weight.

MADRID PUNISH INTER’S MISTAKES

Federico Valverde doubled the advantage nine minutes after Mbappé’s opener. The midfielder dispossessed Josep Martínez inside the six-yard box and forced the ball into the net.

Carlos Augusto pulled one back for Inter in the second half, but Madrid protected their 2-1 lead. Thibaut Courtois was crucial, making several saves as the Italian side pushed for an equaliser.

BENZEMA IS THE NEXT TARGET

Mbappé has now entered the Champions League’s all-time top five. He needs another 19 goals to match Benzema, who occupies fourth place with 90.

The Frenchman is only beginning his third season in Madrid. Raúl’s total has already been matched, and another Real Madrid great is now directly ahead of him.