Mourinho Hails Real Madrid’s Resilient 2-1 Champions League Win Over Inter
Real Madrid began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win over Inter at the Santiago Bernabeu, overcoming a depleted squad and a relentlessly open contest to take three important points. Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde struck during the opening 25 minutes after costly Inter mistakes, giving Jose Mourinho’s side a lead they ultimately protected despite sustained pressure and chances at both ends.
Match and schedule board
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Champions League result | Real Madrid 2-1 Inter | Opening league-phase fixture |
| Madrid scorers | Kylian Mbappe, Federico Valverde | Both goals arrived inside 25 minutes |
| Absent regulars | Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga, Rodrygo | Injuries and suspensions reduced Mourinho’s options |
| Next major away date | Roma, October 14 | Mourinho’s first Stadio Olimpico return since his dismissal |
Mourinho described the match as an exceptional spectacle for neutral viewers, while admitting it was a deeply uncomfortable night for both benches. He felt Madrid could have put the result beyond doubt before the interval, including an opportunity for Jude Bellingham, but also accepted that Inter created enough to score more than once.
The Madrid coach said the contest could have developed into almost any scoreline, such was the volume of attacking openings. He pointed to the difficulty of containing Inter with his midfield forced to defend deep, but praised his players for making decisive use of the visitors’ early defensive errors.
Mbappe’s opener came amid occasional jeers from parts of the home support, but Mourinho firmly backed the forward. The manager highlighted Mbappe’s work without the ball, his important contribution in scoring the first goal and the chances he created, insisting there was no concern over his finishing.
Mourinho expects the Frenchman to remain among the competition’s leading scorers this season, stressing that the forward’s broader contribution to the team mattered as much as his goal against Inter.
The evening also brought Mourinho together with Cristian Chivu, the former Inter defender who played a major role in the club’s 2010 Treble. Mourinho said the pair embraced before kick-off and again after the final whistle, with their mutual respect temporarily set aside during the match itself. He added that they would speak properly if they were able to meet again away from the touchline.
Asked about Florentino Perez’s decision to bring him back to Madrid, Mourinho framed the appointment as a response to a difficult moment at the club. He said challenging situations were precisely the circumstances in which he was expected to take charge.
Madrid now turn back to domestic commitments, with matches against Rayo Vallecano, Elche and Atletico Madrid to negotiate before the international break. Villarreal visit the Bernabeu on October 11, before the trip to Roma three days later. Managing the fitness of an already stretched group will be central to maintaining momentum in both La Liga and Europe.
