Little of the ball, plenty of chances: Real Madrid’s unusual numbers against Inter

Real Madrid opened their Champions League league-phase campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter. José Mourinho’s side had only 35.6% possession, yet generated 2.9 expected goals and created nine big chances. Madrid did not control the ball, but they repeatedly controlled where the danger appeared.

A RECORD LOW SHARE OF POSSESSION

According to Opta, Madrid’s 35.6% possession was their lowest on record in a home Champions League group-stage or league-phase match since detailed data collection began in 2003-04.

Inter attempted 21 shots, the most by a visiting team at Madrid in a match from this stage of the competition since Dynamo Kyiv registered 22 in October 2004. The Italian side circulated the ball and frequently reached the final third, but possession alone did not protect them from Madrid’s acceleration after turnovers.

The hosts recorded five shots from fast breaks. Madrid have surpassed that total in a Champions League match only twice since 2003-04.

NINE BIG CHANCES FOR MADRID

Madrid created nine big chances, their second-highest total in a Champions League game during the period covered by Opta. Their only higher tally was 12 against Malmö in 2015.

Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, Brahim Díaz and Jude Bellingham repeatedly exploited the spaces behind Inter’s advancing players. Madrid’s attacks were direct without being careless: once the ball was recovered, the objective was to reach the opposition penalty area before Inter could rebuild their shape.

There was still an obvious weakness. Madrid missed seven big chances, equalling their highest recorded total in the competition. The attacking structure created enough openings to settle the game comfortably, but the finishing ensured the contest remained alive.

PRESSURE PRODUCED BOTH GOALS

Madrid’s two goals came from effective pressure rather than extended spells of possession. Mbappé forced Yann Bisseck into a mistake before Brahim collected the loose ball and supplied the French forward for the opener.

Federico Valverde scored the second after dispossessing goalkeeper Josep Martínez inside the six-yard box. Carlos Augusto later pulled one back for Inter from Lautaro Martínez’s cross, forcing Madrid to protect their advantage during the closing stages.

COURTOIS DELIVERS AGAIN

Thibaut Courtois made seven saves, keeping Inter from turning their territorial control into more than one goal. He has recorded more saves in a Champions League group-stage or league-phase game for Madrid only once.

Mourinho described the contest as crazy and admitted he did not enjoy its lack of control. The Portuguese coach said the score could have been heavily in Madrid’s favour but also suggested a 6-6 draw would not have been impossible. His preference is clear: retain the attacking threat while reducing the need for an exceptional performance from Courtois.

Madrid nevertheless collected three important points and demonstrated another route to victory. Their speed, pressing and ability to attack open space punished Inter. The next step is turning those nine big chances into a calmer evening.