Advertisement
Real Madrid vs Inter: Thibaut Courtois heroics and early tactical flaws exposed in Mourinho’s opening win
09th September, 2026 11:47 AM
Europe’s most decorated club, Real Madrid, kicked off their UEFA Champions League league phase campaign with a narrow 2-1 victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
The result marked a winning European return for manager José Mourinho, as the Spanish giants edged out the reigning Italian champions at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Early goals from Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde put Los Blancos firmly in control before a second-half strike from Carlos Augusto set up a tense finish.
However, despite securing all three points, the match highlighted both Thibaut Courtois’s pivotal role and the glaring tactical vulnerabilities Real Madrid must fix.
Courtois heroics
Courtois proved instrumental in preserving Madrid’s advantage throughout the clash. Returning to the lineup following an injury layoff and his World Cup duties, the Belgian shot-stopper made several crucial saves to keep his side ahead, including denying Hakan Çalhanoğlu from a set piece and thwarting Alessandro Bastoni.
His exceptional performance showcased his immense value to Madrid’s season, particularly after missing significant time during the club’s failed campaign to secure a 16th European title. With Mourinho looking to restore domestic and European dominance, having a fully fit Courtois in goal will be essential.
Madrid defensive woes
Defensively, however, Los Blancos laboured to contain Inter’s forward surges during critical periods.
Despite leaving the Bernabéu without a point, Cristian Chivu’s side mounted several dangerous attacks and were only denied by Courtois’s brilliance and their own lack of composure in front of goal.
In one notable instance, Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez both went close before Inter eventually found a way through late in the match. Madrid’s backline showed evident disorganisation, frequently allowing the visitors to bypass the midfield and penetrate the final third.
A similar lack of clinical edge plagued Real Madrid at the other end of the pitch.
Mourinho’s men settled for just two goals despite carving out numerous opportunities to put the game out of reach. Brahim Díaz, who was handed a start in attack, joined Mbappé and Jude Bellingham as guilty parties in failing to extend the lead.
Bellingham saw a close-range effort sensationally saved, while Díaz missed a clear chance when he opted to shoot rather than set up an unmarked teammate. Mbappé also had a dangerous effort saved by Inter goalkeeper Josep Martínez, who recovered well after a costly first-half error.
While the struggles are understandably part of the early days of the season, Real Madrid will need swift improvements as the competition progresses and their title race with arch-rivals Barcelona intensifies.
