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Real Madrid opened their UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory against Inter Milan on Tuesday, capitalising on two defensive errors to build a first-half lead before surviving a determined response from the visitors. Kylian Mbappe netted in the 14th minute after an Inter mistake in possession, with Federico Valverde adding a second nine minutes later when the opposing goalkeeper lost control of the ball under pressure. The result gives Jose Mourinho’s side an early three points in the new league-phase format, although the performance left room for improvement as the home crowd made its dissatisfaction known at times.
According to Al Jazeera, Mbappe’s goal was his 71st in the competition, moving him level with former Real Madrid star Raul as the fifth-highest scorer in Champions League history. Valverde’s strike came directly from a high press that forced an error from Josep Martinez, who had otherwise produced several important saves to keep Inter in contention. Thibaut Courtois was equally busy at the other end, turning away multiple efforts including shots from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez before the break.
Inter Milan reduced the deficit in the 77th minute when Carlos Augusto converted a cutback from Martinez, setting up a tense final phase in which the visitors pushed hard for an equaliser. Real Madrid’s goalkeeper made seven saves in total, according to ESPN statistics, as the Italian side recorded 21 shots compared to the hosts’ 16. The narrow escape highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that Mourinho will likely look to address ahead of further fixtures in the competition where his team seeks a record 16th title.
Federico Valverde, who captained the side, reflected on the uneven display by telling reporters that the team suffered more than expected at home. Fans directed audible criticism toward players including Vinicius Junior during his late substitution, with whistles ringing around the stadium as the match remained in the balance. Despite the result, the encounter served as a competitive reunion for Mourinho against one of his former clubs, where he secured the Champions League trophy in 2010.
The 2026-27 edition of the competition has adopted an expanded league phase in which each club faces eight different opponents, increasing the importance of a positive start. Real Madrid created additional clear chances, notably a close-range opportunity for Jude Bellingham that was thwarted just before halftime. Inter, for their part, maintained pressure after the interval but were left to rue the first-half lapses that handed the initiative to the Spanish side.
Data from The Athletic indicated that while Real Madrid led in expected goals, the performance was far from dominant and could be exposed by stronger opponents in subsequent rounds. UEFA figures show that Real Madrid have claimed the title a record 15 times, and Mbappe’s milestone strike reinforced his growing status among the competition’s leading marksmen. The win nevertheless launches Real Madrid’s European campaign on a winning note as they aim to add to that haul.
