Real Madrid Beat Inter Milan 2-1 as Mbappé and Valverde Fire Champions League Warning

Real Madrid opened their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night, with Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde getting on the scoresheet for the Spanish giants.

The victory gave José Mourinho a winning return to the Champions League with Real Madrid, but the Portuguese manager was made to sweat as Inter dominated large spells of the contest and pushed relentlessly for an equaliser in the second half.

Mbappé Punishes Inter’s Defensive Error

Real Madrid took the lead in the 14th minute after Mbappé pressured Inter defender Yann Bisseck into losing possession.

Brahim Díaz collected the loose ball before feeding Mbappé, who calmly fired his finish beneath goalkeeper Josep Martínez to give Madrid an early advantage.

The goal was Mbappé’s fifth of the season and once again underlined the French forward’s importance to Real Madrid’s attack.

Inter, however, refused to sit back. The Italian side enjoyed more than 64 per cent possession and created several opportunities, with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois producing a series of crucial saves to keep the visitors from drawing level.

Valverde Doubles Real Madrid’s Lead

Real Madrid extended their advantage in the 23rd minute, but once again Inter’s defensive error proved costly.

Inter goalkeeper Josep Martínez attempted to play his way out of trouble inside his penalty area, only for Federico Valverde to pounce and poke the ball into the net.

The goal gave Madrid a 2-0 advantage despite Inter having enjoyed much of the early possession.

Jude Bellingham also came close to adding a third before half-time, but Martínez recovered to keep the scoreline from becoming even more difficult for the visitors.

Inter Fight Back After Half-Time

Inter returned from the break with greater urgency and began putting Real Madrid under sustained pressure.

Their persistence finally paid off in the 77th minute when Carlos Augusto pulled one back for the visitors.

Lautaro Martínez delivered a low cross into the danger area and Augusto finished the move to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The goal set up a tense final period as Inter pushed forward in search of an equaliser, while Real Madrid increasingly relied on Courtois and their defensive organisation.

The Belgian goalkeeper once again proved decisive, making a number of important interventions as Madrid struggled to maintain control.

Courtois Saves Mourinho’s Night

Although Real Madrid secured the three points, the performance was far from convincing.

Inter controlled possession for long periods and created enough pressure to make the home side uncomfortable, with Courtois arguably emerging as Madrid’s most important player on the night.

Even Valverde admitted after the match that Real Madrid needed to improve, particularly after losing control of the game in the second half.

The result, however, remains the most important takeaway for Mourinho, who secured victory against a club he famously led to Champions League glory in 2010.

The Portuguese manager’s return to the Bernabéu dugout for a Champions League night therefore ended with three valuable points.

Real Madrid Begin European Campaign With Victory

The 2-1 victory gives Real Madrid an important start to their Champions League league-phase campaign, although Mourinho will know there is plenty to improve before the next European test.

Madrid’s ability to punish mistakes through Mbappé and Valverde ultimately made the difference, while Courtois ensured Inter’s pressure did not produce a late equaliser.

For Inter, the defeat will be frustrating. They showed enough quality and controlled enough of the match to suggest they can compete at this level, but two costly defensive mistakes proved decisive.

Final Score: Real Madrid 2-1 Inter Milan

Goals: Kylian Mbappé 14′, Federico Valverde 23′ — Carlos Augusto 77′