Real Madrid began their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu, securing three points in an entertaining opening fixture. Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde scored for the Spanish side, while Carlos Augusto pulled one back for Inter in the second half.
Despite the victory, Real Madrid were made to work throughout the match. Inter started brightly and looked the more threatening side during the opening stages. Within the third minute, Marcus Thuram tested Thibaut Courtois with a half-volley, but the Real Madrid goalkeeper reacted sharply to keep the effort out. Hakan Calhanoglu then forced another save from a free-kick as Inter continued to put pressure on the hosts.
Real, however, took the lead in the 14th minute after benefiting from a defensive mistake. A misplaced pass from Curtis Jones left Yann Bisseck under pressure, allowing Brahim Diaz to win possession and feed Mbappe. The French forward made no mistake inside the penalty area, producing a composed finish to put Real 1-0 ahead.
The goal carried particular significance for Mbappe. It was his 71st goal in the Champions League and European Cup, bringing him level with Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez on the all-time scoring chart. Mbappe reached the mark in his 99th appearance in the competition, underlining his remarkable scoring record at European level.
Real doubled their advantage only nine minutes later, again capitalising on an error from Inter. Benjamin Pavard’s back-pass found goalkeeper Josep Martinez, who took too long to release the ball. Valverde closed him down, won possession and sent the ball into an unguarded net. Real had scored twice despite registering only one shot on target at that stage.
Inter refused to collapse after conceding the second goal. Curtis Jones struck the crossbar, while Real also survived a dangerous opportunity before half-time involving Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Brahim Diaz.
The second half was largely controlled by Inter. The Italian side repeatedly attacked in search of a way back into the contest. Courtois produced another important save to deny Jones, while Thuram was unable to convert from a cross delivered by Carlos Augusto. Lautaro Martinez also found opportunities as Inter increased the pressure.
Josep Martinez redeemed himself to some extent after his first-half error, making several impressive saves. He denied a Bellingham header in the 58th minute and then stopped an Mbappe effort with his leg eight minutes later. Brahim Diaz subsequently saw a curling attempt miss the target as Real struggled to find the decisive third goal.
Inter finally reduced the deficit in the 77th minute. Lautaro Martinez delivered an excellent cross into the area, and Carlos Augusto met it with a powerful finish that beat Courtois. The score was 2-1, setting up a tense final period.
The visitors pushed hard for an equaliser and created several dangerous moments. Real Madrid, though, held firm, with Courtois again proving decisive. His late intervention to deny Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s goal-bound effort helped preserve the hosts’ lead and secured all three points.
The result also strengthened the significance of Mbappe’s contribution. With 71 Champions League and European Cup goals, he has now joined Raul in fifth place on the competition’s all-time scoring list.
Only four players have scored more: Karim Benzema with 90, Robert Lewandowski with 109, Lionel Messi with 129 and Cristiano Ronaldo with 140. Raul reached his 71-goal tally in 142 appearances, meaning Mbappe has matched the former Real Madrid forward’s total in considerably fewer matches.
For Real Madrid, the opening victory offered both encouragement and areas for improvement. Their finishing proved effective, but Inter created enough chances to make the contest uncomfortable, particularly after the interval. Courtois’ performance ultimately played a major role in protecting the narrow advantage.
Mbappe’s record, meanwhile, provided the standout individual achievement of the night. At 27, the France captain has already moved alongside one of Real Madrid’s greatest European scorers and remains within reach of several historic milestones in the competition.
