Real Madrid edge Inter to open Champions League campaign

Real Madrid have opened their Champions League campaign with three points and regained momentum after suffering their first defeat of the season against Real Betis in La Liga. The result also brought Inter Milan’s winning start to an end, with the Italian side having won each of its previous three league matches.

Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Inter at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday. Kylian Mbappe put the hosts ahead in the 14th minute after Ibrahim Diaz took advantage of a mistake involving Inter defender Yann Bisseck and supplied the finish. Federico Valverde then made it 2-0 nine minutes later, winning the ball from goalkeeper Josep Martinez before scoring.

Inter had threatened before falling behind, with Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez both denied by Thibaut Courtois. The visitors continued to create opportunities after the break, while Madrid also had chances in an open second half and Inter’s goalkeeper made important saves to keep the score close.

Inter finally reduced the deficit in the 77th minute when Lautaro’s cross reached Carlos Augusto, who struck directly into the net. The Italian side pushed for an equaliser during the closing stages, but Courtois produced another important stop in the 89th minute. Madrid’s defence held firm until the final whistle, giving the Spanish side a winning start to its European campaign while Inter left without a point.