Courtois inspires Real Madrid to hard-fought Champions League win over Inter Milan

Real Madrid began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois producing a series of crucial saves to protect the home side’s lead.

Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the 14th minute after Real Madrid forced Inter into surrendering possession. Brahim Diaz collected the ball before finding Mbappe, who had run into the penalty area and finished into the net.

The France forward’s goal gave Real Madrid an early reward for their pressure and put Inter on the back foot. The hosts doubled their advantage nine minutes later, although the goal came after a serious error by Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez.

Martinez attempted to dribble inside his own penalty area, but Federico Valverde took the ball from him with a single touch and sent it into the unguarded net. The mistake left Inter facing a two-goal deficit before the half-hour mark.

Despite being in control of the scoreline, Real Madrid were repeatedly tested by their opponents. Courtois was particularly important during the first half, denying Inter several clear opportunities and ensuring that Carlo Ancelotti’s side retained its advantage.

His contribution proved decisive as Inter continued to threaten after the interval. The Italian side eventually reduced the deficit in the 77th minute when Carlos Augusto met a cross first time and directed it straight into the net.

The goal gave Inter renewed hope, but Real Madrid held on to secure all three points in their opening European fixture. The result places them fifth in the early standings, level on goal difference with leaders Manchester City, while Inter Milan remain without a point.

Martinez also made several important saves for Inter, especially during the second half, preventing Real Madrid from extending their lead. However, his costly mistake for Valverde’s goal ultimately proved decisive.

The match therefore ended with Real Madrid claiming a narrow victory in a contest in which both goalkeepers played prominent roles. Courtois emerged as one of the outstanding figures of the evening, while Martinez’s error overshadowed his later interventions.

The result gives Real Madrid an encouraging start to their European campaign, although the defending side were made to work hard to preserve the advantage after Carlos Augusto’s late goal. Inter, meanwhile, must recover from a damaging opening defeat after creating enough opportunities to trouble their hosts.

Video footage of Mbappe’s opener, Valverde’s opportunistic second goal and Carlos Augusto’s reply circulated alongside coverage of the match. Further discussion of the story and other football news was available through the Kooora forums.