Jose Mourinho Opens Champions League Campaign With Victory Over Inter

Madrid made the most of Inter’s defensive mistakes in the first half. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring after Brahim Díaz capitalised on a loose ball, before Federico Valverde doubled the advantage eight minutes later following another error in Inter’s build-up.

Inter responded strongly after the break and eventually pulled one back through Carlos Augusto, who finished from a Lautaro Martínez assist.

The Italian side pushed for an equaliser, but Madrid held firm, with Thibaut Courtois producing crucial saves to protect Mourinho’s first Champions League victory of the campaign.

The result gives Mourinho an important European start as he begins his second spell in charge of Real Madrid.

His tactical decisions; including deploying Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, were closely scrutinised before kick-off, but Madrid ultimately had enough quality and resilience to secure all three points.

For Mourinho, the night carried added significance given his historic connection with Inter, whom he famously led to the Champions League title in 2010. Now, however, his focus is firmly on restoring Madrid to European glory