Real Madrid opened their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu, as Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde punished costly mistakes from the Italian giants.
The 15-time European champions were far from dominant, but Inter created enough chances to leave Madrid with at least a point. However, José Mourinho’s side were considerably more ruthless when their chances arrived, securing an important opening victory in the UCL league phase.
MbappĂ© Punishes Inter’s Early Mistake
Inter arrived in Madrid with a perfect start to the season and initially looked capable of causing an upset.
Marcus Thuram, Lautaro MartĂnez and Hakan ÇalhanoÄźlu all threatened as the Nerazzurri tested Madrid’s defense. Their failure to capitalize proved costly.
Yann Bisseck’s poor touch handed Madrid an opening, allowing Brahim DĂaz to release Kylian MbappĂ©, who calmly finished to give Los Blancos the lead.
It was exactly the type of ruthless finishing that has made the French superstar one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards.
Valverde Capitalizes on Goalkeeping Blunder
Things quickly went from bad to worse for Inter.
Goalkeeper Josep MartĂnez received a back pass from Benjamin Pavard with seemingly little danger around him, but his attempt to dribble away from Federico Valverde ended disastrously.
Valverde stole possession and poked the ball into the empty net to make it 2-0 to Real Madrid.
Inter could consider themselves unfortunate not to respond before half-time. Curtis Jones struck the crossbar, while Josep MartĂnez partly redeemed himself with an impressive double save to deny MbappĂ© and Jude Bellingham.
Inter Waste Chances as Courtois Stands Firm
The visitors emerged from the break determined to find a route back into the contest.
Thibaut Courtois denied Jones from a tight angle before Thuram fired over after being picked out by Çalhanoğlu. Inter kept creating promising chances but repeatedly failed to find the decisive finish.
Madrid remained dangerous themselves.
MbappĂ© and Bellingham both forced spectacular saves from Josep MartĂnez as Mourinho’s men threatened to put the match beyond Inter’s reach.
The Italian side’s persistence finally paid off with fewer than 15 minutes remaining.
Carlos Augusto Gives Inter-Late Hope
Lautaro MartĂnez reached the byline before delivering a dangerous cross towards Carlos Augusto, whose effort traveled through Ibrahima KonatĂ©’s legs and beyond Courtois.
Suddenly, the score was 2-1, setting up a tense finish at the Bernabéu.
Madrid responded intelligently, retaining possession and slowing the contest down rather than allowing Inter to build sustained late pressure.
The hosts eventually held on to secure all three points.
Real Madrid Start Champions League Campaign With a Win
It wasn’t Real Madrid’s most convincing European performance, but Champions League success often comes down to taking opportunities when they arrive.
Madrid did exactly that.
Inter created plenty but lacked their hosts’ clinical edge, and two costly defensive errors ultimately decided the contest.
For Mourinho, beating the club he famously guided to Champions League glory in 2010 offers an encouraging start to Madrid’s latest pursuit of Europe’s biggest trophy.
The ultimate objective is particularly enticing this season, with the 2027 UEFA Champions League final set to be staged in Madrid at AtlĂ©tico Madrid’s home stadium.
What the Result Means for Inter Milan
Inter leave Spain empty-handed, but Cristian Chivu can still take positives from the performance.
The Nerazzurri repeatedly troubled Madrid and demonstrated they can compete with Europe’s elite. Their biggest concern was efficiency.
Against opponents of Real Madrid’s quality, missed chances and individual mistakes are rarely forgiven.
After reaching the Champions League final in 2025, Inter will need to rediscover their European consistency quickly as the league phase progresses.
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Final Verdict
Real Madrid 2-1 Inter Milan was ultimately a story of efficiency versus missed opportunities.
Inter arguably produced enough chances to take something from the BernabĂ©u, but Madrid punished their mistakes through MbappĂ© and Valverde before surviving Carlos Augusto’s late response.
Three points secured, Mourinho’s Real Madrid have made the ideal start to their latest Champions League adventure. For Inter, the performance offers encouragement—but they must improve their finishing if they are to challenge Europe’s best once again.
