Real Madrid 2-1 Inter: Mbappé and Valverde Seal Win on Mourinho’s Bernabéu Return

First-Half Breakthroughs and Defensive Gaps

Real Madrid claimed their advantage through early strikes, despite Inter dominating large stretches of possession and creating numerous attacks, as reported. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute, followed by a 23rd-minute goal from Fede Valverde. According to, the Nerazzurri started well and played with personality, but defensive mistakes in play allowed Madrid to capitalize.

Meanwhile, José Mourinho set Madrid up in a 4-3-3 shape anchored by Thibaut Courtois, who kept his side ahead with a series of crucial saves.

Late Pressure and Courtois’ Heroics

The match turned tense in the second half as Inter piled on pressure, clocking up twice as many attacks and passes as the hosts, according to. Carlos Augusto eventually broke through for Inter in the 77th minute, narrowing the deficit to 2-1 and setting up a frantic finish.

Inter pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but Thibaut Courtois denied Henrikh Mkhitaryan with an astonishing stop in the 89th minute. “If he wasn’t voted man of the match tonight, he never will be,” José Mourinho told after the match, describing the chaotic encounter as “mad, and not a madness I like.”

Match Statistics and Disciplinary Record

The fixture saw intense physical battles and numerous scoring opportunities, with goalkeepers sharing 13 saves across 37 total shots, according to. Referee Michael Oliver issued yellow cards to Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Lautaro Martínez for Inter, alongside Dean Huijsen and Yann Bisseck.

Next Fixtures in the Champions League

Following this opening result, Inter will look to bounce back when they face Club Brugge at San Siro on October 13.