Mbappe, Valverde lead Real Madrid past Inter in UCL opener

Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde scored as José Mourinho’s Real Madrid began their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The Spanish giants secured three points at the Santiago Bernabéu despite a late scare from the Italian side. Real Madrid took a commanding two-goal lead in the first half, capitalizing on defensive errors from Inter. Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute, pouncing on a loose ball after a poor pass from Inter’s Curtis Jones put defender Yann Bisseck under pressure. Brahim Díaz then played the ball through to Mbappé, who fired home his 71st Champions League goal. Federico Valverde doubled Madrid’s advantage shortly after when Inter goalkeeper Josep Martínez dallied on the ball, allowing Valverde to close him down and slot the ball into the net. Despite the two-goal deficit, Inter Milan fought back in the second half. Carlos Augusto pulled a goal back in the 77th minute, finishing a cross from Lautaro Martínez, setting up a tense final period of the match.