Courtois Save Preserves Real Madrid's 2-1 Win Over Inter Milan

MADRID —Real Madrid began their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu, surviving sustained pressure from the visitors to secure all three points.

Kylian Mbappé and Fede Valverde scored in the first half to give Madrid a two-goal advantage, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced a crucial late save to deny Inter an equaliser.

The match also marked José Mourinho's return to Madrid to face his former club. Despite Inter enjoying long spells of possession and creating numerous chances, Madrid's efficiency in front of goal proved decisive.

Mbappé and Valverde put Madrid in control

Madrid opened the scoring in the 14th minute after an Inter mistake. Curtis Jones' pass put Yann Bisseck under pressure, allowing Brahim Díaz to win the ball and set up Mbappé, who calmly finished with Madrid's first shot of the match.

Nine minutes later, Valverde doubled the home side's advantage. Inter goalkeeper Josep Martínez attempted to drag the ball back under pressure, but Valverde won possession and rolled the ball into an unguarded net.

The scoreline did not reflect the balance of play. Inter had registered 12 shots to Madrid's three by half-time and enjoyed around 70% possession, but Madrid went into the break two goals ahead.

Inter fight back but Courtois stands firm

Inter continued to dominate possession after the break and eventually pulled a goal back in the 77th minute.

Carlos Augusto finished from close range after Lautaro Martínez's pull-back capped a sharp attacking move from the Italian side.

Inter then pushed hard for an equaliser and created several opportunities. However, Courtois produced a decisive save in the 89th minute to deny Henrikh Mkhitaryan and preserve Madrid's lead.

The match ended with 37 shots and 13 saves between the two goalkeepers, underlining the intensity of the contest.

Madrid's midfield exposed

Although Madrid secured the victory, their performance raised questions. Inter frequently played through the home side's midfield and recorded significantly more passes and attacking pressure.

Mourinho later suggested that Trent Alexander-Arnold had been asked to perform a midfield role that was not natural to him.

Madrid also had opportunities to put the game beyond Inter's reach. Jude Bellingham admitted after the match that he had missed two clear chances.

There was frustration among sections of the Bernabéu crowd at the final whistle, with Vinícius Júnior among those to receive criticism.

Mourinho describes chaotic return

Mourinho described the encounter as a "mad" game, acknowledging that the number of chances created by both teams could have produced a very different scoreline.

Nevertheless, the Portuguese coach's return to the Bernabéu ended in defeat as Madrid secured a winning start to their Champions League campaign.

The result will provide some relief for Madrid after their recent league defeat to Real Betis, although their vulnerability under pressure remains an area manager and players will need to address.

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