Real Madrid hold off Inter Milan to win UEFA Champions League opener 2-1

Real Madrid survived a late Inter Milan fightback to begin their UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday evening.

The Spanish side made the most of their opportunities, scoring twice in the first half before resisting sustained pressure from their Italian opponents after the break. Inter Milan’s second-half response created a tense finish, but Real Madrid protected their narrow advantage to secure victory on the opening matchday.

Kylian Mbappe gave Real Madrid the lead after 14 minutes, setting the tone for an efficient first-half display. The hosts then extended their advantage nine minutes later when Federico Valverde made it 2-0 in the 23rd minute.

Inter Milan were left two goals behind, but the deficit did not prevent the visitors from continuing to impose their rhythm on the match. Real Madrid had established a significant advantage on the scoreboard, yet Inter remained a persistent threat as the game progressed.

The pressure eventually produced a goal in the 77th minute. Carlos Augusto reduced the deficit for Inter Milan, bringing the visitors back into contention and ensuring a tense final period at the Santiago Bernabeu.

That goal transformed the closing stages. With Inter Milan now within one goal, Real Madrid were forced to withstand renewed pressure rather than build on their earlier lead. The home side’s advantage became increasingly fragile, but they managed to prevent the visitors from finding an equaliser.

Real Madrid’s two first-half goals ultimately proved decisive. Mbappe’s early opener and Valverde’s strike gave the hosts the platform they needed, while Inter Milan’s late response was not enough to change the result.

The 2-1 win means Real Madrid begin the UEFA Champions League with three points, although their performance also underlined how difficult the second half became once Inter Milan found a way back into the contest. Inter’s effort after the interval kept the match alive until the final stages, but Real Madrid held firm.

For Inter Milan, Carlos Augusto’s goal offered encouragement after falling two behind, yet it could not prevent defeat. Real Madrid’s greater efficiency in front of goal separated the teams at the Santiago Bernabeu, allowing the hosts to claim a hard-fought opening victory.