Surprising 1–0 defeat to Real Betis in Matchday 4 of La Liga, Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde faced sharp criticism in the Spanish press. However, the duo delivered an emphatic response on the pitch during Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League opener. The 15-time European champions secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory against Italian giants Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu to start their European campaign on a winning note.
Visiting Inter Milan started strongly at the Santiago Bernabéu, dominating the opening quarter. Just three minutes into the match, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced a brilliant save to deny Marcus Thuram’s volley. Shortly after, a dangerous free-kick from Hakan Çalhanoğlu tested the hosts, but Madrid’s defense held firm. Real turned the momentum in the 14th minute when Brahim Díaz capitalized on a critical error by Inter defender Yann Bisseck. Díaz provided the assist for Mbappé, who finished in trademark fashion to make it 1–0.
Nine minutes later, another defensive lapse from Inter doubled Madrid’s lead. Inter goalkeeper Josep Martínez attempted a skill move under pressure from Valverde inside the box, allowing Valverde to force the ball into the net to gift Real a 2–0 advantage. Inter pushed aggressively in the second half, eventually pulling one back in the 77th minute when Carlos Augusto scored off an assist from Lautaro Martínez. Despite late pressure, Carlo Ancelotti’s side held on to secure the crucial 2–1 win.
