Chivu Praises Inter’s Bernabeu Resolve Despite Real Madrid Defeat

Inter opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 defeat away to Real Madrid, but Cristian Chivu took encouragement from his side’s response at the Bernabeu. The Nerazzurri left Spain without a point, yet their coach praised the personality shown against the record European champions and insisted the performance offered grounds for optimism.

What changed for the club

Chivu said Inter had recovered well from difficult spells during the match and had not allowed errors to alter their approach. Rather than protecting themselves with a deep defensive display, Inter attempted to impose their own game and created clear chances against Real Madrid.

The coach highlighted his players’ belief, body language and reaction when the match became demanding. He said he was pleased by the courage displayed and by the team’s determination to remain proactive despite the quality of the opposition.

Chivu accepted that playing at such intensity against Real Madrid brought the possibility of mistakes, but maintained that Inter were right to meet the Spanish side directly instead of sitting back.

The match also reunited Chivu with Jose Mourinho, now back in charge of Real Madrid. The pair worked together at Inter during the 2009-10 campaign, when the club completed its treble. Chivu expressed strong affection for his former manager, referring to Mourinho’s support during a difficult period in his life and saying it had been a pleasure to embrace him again.

Competition context

The loss means Inter have begun their Champions League programme without points after one of the most demanding away fixtures available in the competition. Chivu’s assessment was that the score did not fully reflect the 90 minutes, with Inter’s willingness to attack and retain their identity forming the main positive from the trip to Madrid.

Inter’s next European fixture will be against Club Brugge, following the international break.

What is scheduled next

• Inter return to Serie A action against Udinese on Monday.
• The Champions League schedule then pauses for the international break.
• Club Brugge will be Inter’s next opponents in Europe.

The immediate task is to ensure the Bernabeu defeat does not affect domestic momentum before the squad disperses for international duty.