Real Madrid 2 - 1 Inter Milan; Mourinho's Los Blancos win through Mbappé and Valverde

Real Madrid began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win over Inter Milan at the Estadio Bernabéu.

Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde scored in the first half as Madrid capitalised on two major defensive errors.

Carlos Augusto pulled one back late on, but Inter’s lack of clinical finishing cost them in a tense second half.

Inter Milan started the match brightly, producing the first shot on target inside four minutes when Thibaut Courtois saved Marcus Thuram’s half-volley.

Los Blancos took time to settle under José Mourinho’s reshuffled midfield, with Trent Alexander-Arnold starting due to suspensions for Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Arda Güler.

Nerazzurri's early pressure came through Diouf on the right, repeatedly stretching Marc Cucurella.

Madrid’s opener arrived in the 14th minute after a loose touch from Yann Bisseck gifted Brahim Díaz possession.

Díaz slipped Mbappé through on goal, and the Frenchman finished clinically from the edge of the box.

Inter get themselves into a real mess here and a mountain to climb, becoming sloppy in the worst place to concede. 

Mbappé’s strike moved him to 71 Champions League goals, level with Raúl and into the top five all-time scorers.

The second goal came nine minutes later and was even more damaging for Inter. Benjamin Pavard played a routine pass back to goalkeeper Josep Martínez, who hesitated on the ball. 

Valverde pressed, tackled and bundled the ball into the net.

Inter responded strongly after the break, with Cristian Chivu bringing on John Stones to stabilise the defence.

Their possession was assured, and their approach mirrored the first half, but Real Madrid remained comfortable with just 29% possession, relying on efficiency and structure.

Nezzuri’sfrustration grew as they repeatedly cut through Madrid’s defence but found Courtois impenetrable, denying Lautaro Martínez and Curtis Jones with a superb double save.

Mourinho's men should have sealed the match in the 58th minute when Jude Bellingham hesitated instead of heading a clear chance.

Martínez brilliantly saved his eventual shot, and Denzel Dumfries headed the rebound over from close range. That should have been game over, but Inter survived.

Brahim Díaz continued to shine, creating chances and nearly scoring his first goal against Inter in his 11th appearance against the Italian side.

Martínez redeemed himself further with another crucial save, denying Mbappé after Díaz cut the ball back inside the box.

Inter’s persistence finally paid off when Carlos Augusto tapped in after excellent work from Lautaro Martínez.

The Bernabéu grew tense, with whistles aimed at Vinícius Júnior as Inter pushed for an equaliser.

Madrid’s defensive structure held firm, but Inter deserved their second-half goal after sustained pressure.

The closing stages reflected classic Bernabéu drama.

Sixteen years after Mourinho lifted the Champions League here with Inter, he secured victory against his former club with a performance built on organisation, pressing and resilience.

Los Blancos finished with just 36% possession but took advantage of Inter’s mistakes and defended their lead with discipline.

Inter have not beaten Real Madrid since 1998, and this match continued that familiar story.

 They lacked application and clinical finishing in the final third, despite making Madrid nervous late on.

What’s next for Real Madrid?

Saturday, September 12: Rayo Vallecano (home), La Liga, 8.00pm BST

What's next for Inter Milan?

Monday, September 14: Udinese (home), Serie A, 7.45pm BST