Real Madrid opened their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night.
Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde scored for the Spanish giants, taking advantage of costly mistakes from the Italian side, while Carlos Augusto pulled one back for Inter to set up a tense closing period.
Inter looked the more dangerous side during the opening stages, with Marcus Thuram forcing Thibaut Courtois into an early save before Hakan Çalhanoğlu narrowly missed the target with a long-range effort. Lautaro Martínez also tested the Madrid goalkeeper from distance.
Despite Inter’s strong start, Real Madrid broke the deadlock in the 14th minute. Yann Bisseck lost possession, allowing Brahim Díaz to find Mbappé, who made no mistake with the finish.
Inter immediately pushed for an equaliser, but Courtois denied Çalhanoğlu from a dangerous free-kick. The visitors were then punished for another defensive lapse when Valverde’s challenge involving goalkeeper Josep Martínez resulted in Madrid’s second goal.
Inter came close to reducing the deficit before half-time when Curtis Jones struck the woodwork. Madrid, meanwhile, had opportunities to extend their advantage, but Josep Martínez produced an excellent double save to keep out Mbappé and Jude Bellingham. Díaz subsequently hit the post with the rebound.
Courtois continued to frustrate Inter after the restart, keeping out another effort from Jones, while Thuram fired over from close range. Bellingham was also denied by Josep Martínez after Díaz created an opening for the England midfielder.
The Inter goalkeeper later recovered from his earlier mistake with an impressive save using his legs to prevent Mbappé from adding to his tally.
Inter eventually found a way through in the 77th minute. Lautaro Martínez delivered a low ball across the box, which Carlos Augusto converted to give the visitors renewed hope.
Madrid came under increasing pressure in the final stages as Inter searched for an equaliser. Courtois, however, stood firm, producing another important save to keep out a deflected Henrikh Mkhitaryan effort and preserve all three points for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
The result also added another milestone to Mbappé’s Champions League record. The French forward, who was named among the Ballon d’Or nominees earlier in the day, moved level with Real Madrid legend Raúl on 71 goals in the competition, leaving Karim Benzema’s 90-goal record as his next major target.
The match ultimately highlighted the importance of both goalkeepers. Courtois, making his 100th Champions League appearance, recorded seven saves to help Madrid secure victory, while Josep Martínez made six stops but was unable to overcome the costly error that contributed to Madrid’s second goal.
Real Madrid finished the game with 16 attempts and an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.91, compared with Inter’s 21 shots and 1.78 xG.
The victory extended Madrid’s winning streak against Inter to five consecutive Champions League matches and gave them an ideal start to their European campaign.
