Madrid’s Opening Champions League Win
Real Madrid secured an opening Champions League victory against Inter Milan, with the match marking José Mourinho‘s return to the competition at the Santiago Bernabéu. The final score was 2-1, though the game was characterized by numerous chances for both sides and a frantic pace in the later stages. Mourinho described the match as “mad, and not a madness I like,” highlighting the chaotic nature of the encounter.
The home side’s goals came from Kylian Mbappé and Fede Valverde in the first half. Despite Inter Milan having the majority of possession early on, Real Madrid capitalized on their first two shots on goal to establish a lead. The match saw Thibaut Courtois make several crucial saves, particularly in the closing minutes, to preserve Real Madrid‘s advantage.
First Half Goals and Inter’s Challenges
Real Madrid‘s first goal arrived after Inter Milan‘s Curtis Jones made a pass that put centre-back Yann Bisseck in a difficult position. Brahim Díaz then quickly moved the ball to Kylian Mbappé, who scored his first Champions League goal of the campaign. This goal was Real Madrid‘s first shot of the match, coming after they had struggled to get a meaningful touch in the opening minutes.
The second goal for Real Madrid followed shortly after, stemming from another error by Inter Milan. Goalkeeper Josep Martínez attempted a back-heel inside his own six-yard box while under pressure from Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde. Valverde successfully poked the ball over the line, extending Real Madrid‘s lead to 2-0 within 23 minutes. Mourinho noted that this second goal was not a matter of chance, suggesting a deliberate strategy to force errors.
Despite these setbacks, Inter Milan maintained significant possession, holding 65% at one point. They also created numerous attacking opportunities, with players like Hakan Calhanoglu and Lautaro Martínez taking shots. Curtis Jones also hit the bar, and Benjamin Pavard provided another chance for Inter Milan just before half-time. However, Josep Martínez was also called into action, making a save from Jude Bellingham, and Díaz hit the post.
Second Half Pressure and Courtois’s Performance
The second half saw the game become more open, with both teams creating chances. Josep Martínez made a save against Mbappé early in the half, while Courtois continued to be busy, saving from Jones and seeing Nicolò Barella shoot wide. Marcus Thuram also had a chance, scooping the ball over the goal. Courtois‘s performance was particularly notable, with Mourinho suggesting that if he wasn’t named man of the match, he never would be. Federico Valverde was ultimately named player of the match.
Inter Milan eventually scored, with Carlos Augusto finishing a low cross from Lautaro Martínez. This goal came with approximately 15 minutes remaining, setting up a tense finish. However, Real Madrid managed to hold on to their lead, largely due to Courtois‘s continued efforts, including an astonishing save from Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the 89th minute. The Santiago Bernabéu crowd expressed their frustration at times, with whistles heard, particularly towards Vinícius Júnior.
The match concluded with Real Madrid securing the 2-1 victory. Kylian Mbappé‘s goal brought his Champions League tally to 71, placing him level with former Real Madrid striker Raul for the fifth-most goals in the competition’s history. Real Madrid is scheduled to host Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, followed by an away Champions League fixture against Roma on 14 October.
Source: theguardian.com