Real Madrid opened their 2026/27 Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde found the net as Inter were punished for defensive errors, while Carlos Augusto’s second-half goal set up a tense finale.
Inter started brightly, with Marcus Thuram and Hakan Çalhanoğlu testing Thibaut Courtois early on. However, Madrid took the lead in the 14th minute after Yann Bisseck lost possession, allowing Brahim Díaz to set up Mbappé for the opener.
Inter pushed for an equaliser, but Madrid doubled their advantage in the 23rd minute. Another defensive mistake allowed Valverde’s effort to find the back of the net.
Inter hit the woodwork through Curtis Jones, while Josep Martínez produced a superb double save to deny Mbappé and Jude Bellingham before Brahim Díaz struck the post with the rebound.
The visitors eventually pulled one back in the 77th minute when Carlos Augusto converted Lautaro Martínez’s low cross.
Inter pushed desperately for a leveller, but Courtois stood firm, making a late save from a deflected Henrikh Mkhitaryan effort to preserve Madrid’s victory.
Mbappé’s opener also saw him equal Real Madrid legend Raúl’s 71 Champions League goals, placing him fifth on the competition’s all-time scoring chart.
Meanwhile, Courtois celebrated his 100th Champions League appearance with seven saves as Madrid secured a winning start.
