Real Madrid begin with a win as Mbappé and Valverde punish Inter

Real Madrid opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter at the Santiago Bernabéu. Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde converted two costly mistakes before Carlos Augusto brought the Italian champions back into the contest.

José Mourinho’s side did not control every phase of the match, but their efficiency, pressing and composure were enough to secure an important response to the recent defeat against Real Betis.

INTER STARTED QUICKLY, MADRID SCORED FIRST

Inter were the more assertive team in the opening exchanges. Lautaro Martínez and Hakan Çalhanoğlu both tested Thibaut Courtois as the visitors found space around Madrid’s midfield and pushed bodies forward.

The hosts nevertheless took the lead in the 14th minute. Yann Bisseck failed to deal with the ball under pressure, Brahim Díaz reacted immediately and released Mbappé. The Frenchman made no mistake in front of Josep Martínez, turning Madrid’s first major opening into the first goal.

Nine minutes later, Madrid doubled their advantage. Martínez received a back-pass from Benjamin Pavard and attempted to evade Valverde inside his own six-yard box. The Uruguayan maintained his pressure, won the challenge and forced the ball into the net.

Inter had enjoyed the stronger start, yet Madrid led 2-0 after ruthlessly exploiting two errors. At the Bernabéu, generosity is rarely left unrewarded.

COURTOIS PROTECTS THE ADVANTAGE

Inter continued to compete rather than retreat. The visitors created shooting opportunities and kept Courtois involved, while Madrid looked dangerous whenever space appeared on the counterattack.

Mbappé almost created a third goal shortly before half-time. Martínez saved his low effort and then recovered brilliantly to deny Jude Bellingham from the rebound. Madrid also wasted promising transitions after the interval, leaving Inter within touching distance.

The visitors finally reduced the deficit in the 77th minute. Bisseck found Lautaro Martínez, whose cut-back was converted first-time by Carlos Augusto. A match that Madrid could have settled earlier suddenly demanded complete concentration.

MADRID HOLD FIRM

Mourinho’s team managed the closing stages without surrendering an equaliser and collected three points from its opening league-phase fixture.

This was not a flawless or dominant Madrid performance. Inter produced several strong spells and created enough pressure to make the final minutes uncomfortable. The difference was Madrid’s ability to recognise decisive moments and punish mistakes.

Mbappé delivered the opening goal, Valverde transformed relentless pressure into the second and Courtois provided security when Inter threatened. After the disappointment against Betis, Madrid produced the result it needed and began another Champions League journey with a valuable victory.