Real Madrid edged out Inter Milan 2-1 in a thrilling Champions League opener at the Bernabeu. Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde capitalised on early mistakes from the visitors to put Real into a commanding lead, with the Nerazzurri unable to recover despite a strong performance as Carlos Augustos late goal proved not enough.It is Jose Mourinhos first win since returning as Real Madrid boss, and it came against the team he won the competition with at the Bernabeu in 2010, as they made the ideal start to their 2026-27 campaign.Mistakes cost Inter at BernabeuThe visitors forced Thibaut Courtois into a good early save when Marcus Thuram stung the palms of the Real stopper from close range, with the hosts making a lethargic start at the Bernabeu. Lautaro Martinez then tried his luck on the edge of the box which Courtois had to parry away again, but moments later the hosts were in front as Mbappe found the net with one of his first touches of the game.Real won the ball high up after a poor ball from former Liverpool man Curtis Jones, with Mbappe nipping in sent through on goal to fire the ball home.Jones, making his first Champions League start since joining Inter, played a loose ball towards Yan Bisseck, who struggled to deal with it as Mbappe pounced and played the ball into Brahim Diaz.Diaz immediately returned it to Mbappe, who had a clear run at goal. The Frenchman made no mistake, sweeping the ball home to put Real in front and register his 71st Champions League goal.Real soon had a second, with Federico Valverde taking advantage of another Inter error to extend the hosts lead. Goalkeeper Josep Martinez was too slow on the ball, allowing Valverde to close him down and turn the loose ball into the net. Real hadnt really threatened, yet found themselves two goals ahead.Jones, eager to make up for his error, turned inside the box after a nice move involving Martinez and the England midfielders effort grazed the top of the crossbar.Jude Bellingham somehow didnt put Real Madrid 3-0 up on the stroke of half-time after a mazy run by Mbappe was saved into the path of the England man, whose shot was blocked at point-blank range by Martinez in the Inter net before Diaz couldnt turn the ball home at the third attempt.Bellingham was guilty of another missed chance to kill the game off in the second half some lovely work by Diaz presented him with an open goal but, rather than head home, the midfielders decision to try and chest and finish allowed Martinez to recover and make a save.Aside from the mistakes, Inter put in a strong performance at the Bernabeu in truth and will have been wondering how they failed to find the net, with Courtois putting in one of his trademark displays with a number of saves.But that goal did finally come to set up a tense final 15 minutes, as Carlos Augusto had an easy finish from Martinezs pass across goal.More to follow. Topics Inter Milan Real Madrid CF Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read WATCH: Mbappe fires Real Madrid in front vs Inter Milan after sloppy Curtis Jones mistake Cian Cheesbrough 8th September, 2026 LIVE Real Madrid v Inter Milan: Commentary, updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 8th September, 2026 Real Madrid vs Inter Milan: Line-ups confirmed as Mourinho faces old side Mitch Fretton 8th September, 2026 Ballon dOr: Full list of 30 nominees as Messi is included but Ronaldo snubbed Jon Fisher 8th September, 2026 Win tickets to a Champions League game with bet365 Jon Fisher 8th September, 2026 It wouldnt be stolen Mbappe makes emphatic case for his Ballon dOr candidacy despite lack of trophies Nicholas McGee 7th September, 2026
