Real Madrid began the new Champions League season with a win over Inter — 2:1 at the Bernabéu. Two goals in the first half after gross errors by the visitors and a nervous ending when Carlos Augusto reduced the deficit. On paper, a confident start; in reality, a match that left more questions than answers.
José Mourinho, returning to Real Madrid after a long break, again faced the team he once led to European triumph. Inter under Christian Chivu looked organized but punished themselves twice: first, Yann Bisseck lost the ball, allowing Brahim Díaz to set up Kylian Mbappé, and then goalkeeper Josep Martínez took a risk with the ball at his feet and gave it to Federico Valverde.
Mbappé brought his Champions League tally to 71 goals, equaling Raúl. The Frenchman again showed why he remains the main threat in Madrid's attack. However, behind this success lurked another picture: Real Madrid conceded 21 shots, and Thibaut Courtois saved his team seven times. Fans in the stands even whistled at 2:0, unhappy with how the team controlled the game.
The paradox of the match is that Real Madrid won by relying on the opponent's individual errors and moments of brilliance from individual players, rather than on cohesive team play. Inter had more possession and created dangerous chances but failed to capitalize until Augusto's late goal. This reminded of the old saying: 'Don't make mistakes and you won't lose,' but in high-level football, such an approach rarely works for long.
Under pressure from fans and after a recent defeat to Betis, Mourinho had to change the lineup and tactics on the fly. Substitutions and tactical adjustments helped hold on to the win but showed how fragile the balance in the team is. The players' psychological resilience, especially in the closing stages, became a key factor.
This victory is not just three points in the opening round. It raises the question of whether Mourinho's team is ready for a long Champions League campaign, where opponent errors will be rarer and pressure will only grow. The future will show whether this match was an exception or the beginning of a new chapter.
