Mourinho hails ‘crazy’ Real Madrid win as Mbappe joins Champions League greats

Real Madrid survived a frantic 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, with Kylian Mbappe reaching a landmark in the Champions League and Jose Mourinho admitting the match could have produced almost any result.

Mbappe gave Real the lead in the 14th minute, calmly guiding the ball home from just inside the penalty area. The France forward’s goal was his 71st in 99 appearances in the European Cup and Champions League, taking him level with Real Madrid legend Raul in joint fifth place on the competition’s all-time scoring list.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo, with 140 goals, Lionel Messi with 129, Robert Lewandowski with 109 and Karim Benzema with 90 have scored more.

Real doubled their advantage nine minutes later after Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez made an expensive mistake. A backpass from Benjamin Pavard left Martinez under pressure and, after he misplaced possession, Federico Valverde collected the ball before calmly sending it over the line.

Inter had threatened early on, with Thibaut Courtois making saves to deny Hakan Calhanoglu and Lautaro Martinez. The Real Madrid goalkeeper was making his 100th Champions League appearance for the club. Former Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones also hit the crossbar during a lively opening period.

Inter goalkeeper Martinez recovered from his error before half-time, blocking efforts from Mbappe and Jude Bellingham in a double save. The post kept out another attempt, while Bellingham subsequently missed an opportunity to extend Real’s lead to 3-0.

Carlos Augusto reduced the deficit in the 77th minute, ensuring a tense closing stage. Real Madrid held on, although their supporters made clear their dissatisfaction with the team’s overall performance despite the victory.

Mourinho, speaking after the match, said the contest had been difficult to control and praised Courtois for his contribution.

“It could have ended 5-1 or 6-1 for us. It could also have ended 6-6. I don’t want to say that Inter won the game because we created more and in crucial moments, like the two chances Jude had before and after the break,” said Mourinho.

“It was a crazy game, and I don’t like that kind of madness. I prefer to score 5, 6, or 7 but with absolute control and without needing an absolutely incredible performance from the goalkeeper.

“In today’s game, whoever decides the best player on the field must have been asleep, because if they don’t give Courtois the best player award today, they never will (laughs). Without taking credit away from Fede, who won it.

“It was difficult to play with Trent, whom I greatly appreciate for the work he did, but his characteristics as a midfielder and the physical demands of playing as a full-back or midfielder are different.

“As a coach, I couldn’t do the things I would like to do. If you see Inter’s goal, it’s clear that we had already lowered our defensive intensity and didn’t have too many players who could help us control the game differently.

“We were very good when we were compact. Valverde’s goal wasn’t a coincidence but a great interpretation of the structure and strategy we had.

“We played against a great team with many options that increased their intensity with the substitutions. It was a tough match with three crucial points.

“We are three points closer to qualifying, and I am absolutely convinced we will qualify, but getting these three points early is important.”

The result gives Real Madrid three points towards qualification and, according to Mourinho, strengthens his belief that the club will progress from the competition.