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Real Madrid beat Inter 2-1

Real Madrid began their Champions League campaign with a home win, despite Inter controlling much of the later play.

Published by NUZE · Founded and edited by Halfdan Harring · Thursday, 10 September 2026

Summaries are written by NUZE from the day’s measured coverage across many newsrooms, with founder oversight.

What happened

Real Madrid opened their Champions League league-phase campaign with a 2-1 home win over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu. Kylian Mbappé scored after 14 minutes and Federico Valverde added a second after pressure on goalkeeper Josep Martínez. Inter improved after halftime, and Carlos Augusto pulled one back late.

Numbers

2-1Real Madrid’s final home score
14th minuteMbappé scored the opening goal
13 minutes leftInter reduced the deficit
10 of 19Madrid wins in previous meetings

Questions

How did Inter score late?: Lautaro Martínez sent a low cross for Carlos Augusto, who scored with 13 minutes remaining after Inter took control after halftime.
Why did Madrid’s early lead hold?: Madrid converted their first two shots on target, then Thibaut Courtois made key saves as Inter created chances in the second half.
What is the teams’ record?: Real Madrid have won 10 of their 19 meetings with Inter, whose previous Bernabéu visit came in December 2021.
What was Madrid’s broader objective?: José Mourinho framed the eight-match league phase around qualification, while saying he wanted his team to approach Inter as one match.

Support and opposition

Who supports this, and why

Madrid supporters — Madrid’s pressing forced the mistakes that decided a match Inter otherwise controlled for long periods.