Real Madrid, the most successful club in Champions League history, began their new European campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter at the Santiago Bernabéu.
José Mourinho’s side took the lead in the 14th minute after an error in Inter’s defence. Kylian Mbappé capitalised on the mistake, converting Brahim Díaz’s pass to put Real Madrid ahead.
Inter suffered another costly error just nine minutes later. Goalkeeper Josep Martínez failed to get past Federico Valverde, allowing the Uruguayan midfielder to get a touch on the ball and double Real Madrid’s advantage in the 23rd minute.
Inter struggled to find a response before half-time and went into the break trailing 2-0.
The visitors came out with greater attacking intent after the restart, but Thibaut Courtois produced an outstanding double save in the 56th minute. The Real Madrid goalkeeper first denied Lautaro Martínez before reacting quickly to keep out Curtis Jones’ follow-up effort.
Moments later, Jude Bellingham was unable to make the most of a brilliant pass from Brahim Díaz, as Josep Martínez stood firm to deny him. The Inter goalkeeper, who had been at fault for Real Madrid’s second goal, then redeemed himself in the 67th minute by saving Mbappé’s effort from a promising position.
Although Inter were pushing for a comeback, Real Madrid continued to look more dangerous in the closing stages and created several opportunities to extend their lead.
Inter eventually pulled one back in the 77th minute. Lautaro Martínez produced a clever piece of play before delivering a well-weighted pass to Carlos Augusto, who finished the move to make it 2-1.
Inter pressed for an equaliser during the final stages, but their late attacks failed to produce another goal. Real Madrid held on to secure all three points and hand Inter a defeat in their opening Champions League match in Madrid.
