Real Madrid 2-0 Inter Milan at half-time in UEFA Champions League opener

Real Madrid hold a 2-0 half-time lead over Inter Milan in the opening matchday of the UEFA Champions League at Santiago Bernabeu, despite being outplayed for long periods by the visitors.

Inter have enjoyed more possession and created more attempts during an energetic first half, but Real Madrid have made the most of their opportunities. The Italian side have registered nine shots compared with four from the hosts, yet it is Carlo Ancelotti’s team who have the clear advantage on the scoreboard.

Kylian Mbappe gave Real Madrid the lead in the 14th minute, finishing the hosts’ first-half opportunities with efficiency. Federico Valverde then doubled the advantage nine minutes later, leaving Inter with a difficult task despite their greater control of the game.

The scoreline therefore does not reflect the balance of play at Santiago Bernabeu. Inter have been the more proactive team, using their possession to apply pressure and test the Real Madrid defence. Their nine attempts underline the extent of their attacking activity, although they have been unable to convert that pressure into a goal.

Real Madrid, by contrast, have produced a highly effective performance in front of goal. Their four shots have included two that found the net, with Mbappe and Valverde putting the Spanish side in a commanding position before the interval.

Inter’s dominance has consequently gone unrewarded. The visitors have controlled more of the ball and created more shooting opportunities, but Real Madrid’s clinical finishing has given them a two-goal cushion at the break.

The match is being played on Tuesday evening at Santiago Bernabeu, with both sides beginning their UEFA Champions League campaign in the competition’s opening round. Inter must now find a way to turn their first-half superiority into goals, while Real Madrid will seek to protect the advantage established by Mbappe and Valverde.

At half-time, the hosts are ahead 2-0, even though the visitors have been the stronger side in possession and attacking volume.