Mourinho marks Real Madrid return as Haaland inspires Manchester City in Champions League openers

Jose Mourinho began his second spell in charge of Real Madrid with a 2-1 victory over former club Inter Milan, while Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City beat FC Porto 2-0 on the opening night of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase.

Kylian Mbappe gave Real Madrid the lead after 14 minutes on his 99th Champions League appearance. The goal took the France forward’s total in the competition to 71, moving him level with Real Madrid legend Raul in fifth place on the all-time scoring list.

Real Madrid doubled their advantage 10 minutes later when Fede Valverde dispossessed Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez inside the six-yard box and finished the move.

Inter created plenty of opportunities and recorded 21 shots, but could only reduce the deficit through Carlos Augusto’s 77th-minute strike. Thibaut Courtois and Real Madrid held on to secure a winning start for Mourinho on his return to European competition with the Spanish club.

Real Madrid 2-1 Inter Milan

Scorers: Real Madrid: Mbappe 14′, Valverde 24′; Inter Milan: C. Augusto 77′

At the Estadio do Dragao, Haaland settled a tense match between FC Porto and Manchester City with two goals in the second half.

The Norway striker headed in a cross from Enzo Fernandez two minutes after the interval before completing the scoring in stoppage time, tapping home a low cutback from Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Haaland has now scored 59 goals in 59 Champions League appearances. His double also took him level with Sergio Aguero on 36 European goals for Manchester City.

The result was Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca’s fourth successive victory in all competitions. His side will face holders Paris Saint-Germain on Matchday 2 in one of the standout fixtures of the next round.

FC Porto 0-2 Manchester City

Scorers: Manchester City: Haaland 47′, 90+1′

Aston Villa overcame a difficult start to their domestic campaign by winning 3-2 away against Belgian champions Club Brugge.

John McGinn opened the scoring with a curling finish after 10 minutes, but Hugo Vetlesen equalised for the hosts eight minutes later. Emiliano Buendia restored Villa’s lead in the 27th minute.

Nicolas Jackson then extended the English side’s advantage before half-time, taking advantage of an error by goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

Club Brugge were given hope when Nicolo Tresoldi scored from the penalty spot after Aaron Wan-Bissaka handled the ball. Unai Emery’s team resisted further pressure, however, and left Belgium with three points.

Club Brugge 2-3 Aston Villa

Scorers: Club Brugge: Vetlesen 18′, Tresoldi 62′; Aston Villa: McGinn 10′, Buendia 27′, Jackson 43′

Borussia Dortmund also claimed a dramatic victory, beating Villarreal 3-2 at Signal Iduna Park in a game decided by a late surge from Serhou Guirassy.

Dortmund took the lead shortly after half-time when Renato Veiga turned the ball into his own net. Villarreal responded through Santiago Mourino, who headed in an equaliser in the 54th minute.

Guirassy restored Dortmund’s advantage with 10 minutes remaining and then converted a penalty four minutes later. Villarreal scored again in stoppage time through an unusual own goal, with the ball going in off Guirassy’s face.

Despite the late setback, Dortmund held on for victory. The German side, 2024 finalists, began their league-phase campaign with three points.

Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Villarreal

Scorers: Borussia Dortmund: Veiga 48′ (OG), Guirassy 80′, 84′ (p); Villarreal: Mourino 54′, Guirassy 90+2′ (OG)