Mbappé and Valverde strike in the first half as Madrid withstand Inter’s late pressure to begin their 2026/27 European campaign with victory

Real Madrid made a winning start to their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign after defeating Inter Milan 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night.

The Spanish giants raced into a two-goal lead in the first half before Inter fought back after the break, setting up a tense finish. Madrid, however, held firm to secure all three points in their opening European fixture.

Kylian Mbappé put Real Madrid ahead in the 14th minute after Brahim Díaz won possession near the Inter penalty area and quickly created an opening for the French forward. Mbappé made no mistake with the opportunity, calmly finishing past Inter goalkeeper Josep Martínez.

Real Madrid doubled their advantage nine minutes later when Federico Valverde capitalised on the pressure applied by the home side.

The midfielder pressed high and took advantage of a mistake from Martínez to put Madrid 2-0 ahead, leaving Inter with a difficult task before half-time.

Despite falling behind, Inter remained dangerous and enjoyed spells of possession as they attempted to find a way back into the match.

The Italian side created several opportunities, but Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced a series of important saves to protect his team's advantage.

Inter's persistence finally paid off in the 77th minute when Carlos Augusto pulled one goal back.

The Brazilian defender connected with a pass from Lautaro Martínez and finished to reduce the deficit to 2-1, giving Inter renewed belief heading into the final stages.

The goal changed the atmosphere at the Bernabéu as Inter pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Real Madrid were forced to defend deeper, while Courtois and the Madrid defence worked to prevent the visitors from completing the comeback.

Inter continued to apply pressure late in the game, but Real Madrid managed to withstand the onslaught and preserve their narrow advantage until the final whistle.

The victory gives Real Madrid an ideal start to their Champions League campaign, while Inter will be left to reflect on a match in which their second-half response was not enough to overturn the early damage.

Madrid's attacking quality and ability to punish mistakes proved decisive, with Mbappé and Valverde putting the hosts in control before Inter's late fightback made the closing stages increasingly uncomfortable.

Real Madrid will now look to build on the result as the Champions League campaign progresses, while Inter will aim to recover in their next European fixture.