Champions League: Mourinho’s Real Madrid Make Winning Start Against Inter Milan

Jose Mourinho began his return to Real Madrid with a 2-1 Champions League victory over his former club Inter Milan in an open and high-energy match at the Santiago Bernabeu. Madrid took a two-goal lead in the first half, then held on after Carlos Augusto pulled one back for Cristian Chivu’s side.

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It was a crazy game.

Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the 14th minute after a poor pass put Yann Bisseck under pressure and Brahim Diaz poked the ball through to him. Federico Valverde added the second when Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez hesitated in possession and the Uruguay international charged forward to tackle the ball into the net.

Inter started aggressively and created opportunities, but Thibaut Courtois made several sharp saves. Madrid also had chances to extend its lead before halftime. Carlos Augusto’s second-half goal gave Inter renewed hope, but the Italian side could not find an equalizer.

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A game that finished 2-1 could have finished 7-6 without any problems.

Mourinho, who led Inter to the 2010 Champions League title at the same stadium, said the match was difficult to control. “It was a crazy game,” he told Movistar. “A game that finished 2-1 could have finished 7-6 without any problems.” He said both teams struggled to impose control, but called it a great game.

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We were unable to make the most of all the chances we created.

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez said his team had failed to make the most of its chances. “We were unable to make the most of all the chances we created,” he said. Martinez added that Inter could leave with their heads held high after performing at a high level against a strong opponent. He said Courtois remained one of the world’s best goalkeepers, but Inter needed to improve its finishing.

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We still leave here with heads held high, as we played at a high level against a great opponent.