Mbappé equals Raúl in Champions League as Real Madrid edge past Inter in laboured victory

Real Madrid began their Champions League campaign with a narrow victory over Inter Milan (2-1) on Tuesday evening at the Bernabéu, thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde. The Madrid crowd, unconvinced by their team’s performance, booed the Merengues early in the second half and accompanied Vinicius’s departure with some jeers.

Mbappé got the ball rolling in the 14th minute, capitalizing on a Curtis Jones turnover and a poor clearance from Yann Bisseck to run through alone on goal. This 71st Champions League goal allows him to equal Raúl, the club legend, in fifth place on the competition’s all-time top scorers ranking. Real’s number 10 now has his sights set on fourth place, held by his former France teammate Karim Benzema, who is credited with 90 goals in the competition.

Ten minutes after opening the scoring, Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez took it upon himself to double Madrid’s advantage by attempting to dribble past Federico Valverde in front of his own goal, allowing the Uruguayan to finish without resistance (23rd). A glaring error that handed Real a comfortable lead at the break.

After the interval, Inter pushed forward and created numerous chances, repeatedly running into a decisive Thibaut Courtois, notably against Marcus Thuram. Carlos Augusto finally pulled one back in the 77th minute, converting a cross from Lautaro Martinez, reigniting the tension in the final quarter of an hour. The Nerazzurri, however, failed to force an equalizer, with Courtois denying their final assault.

The victory is there for the defending champions, but control was absent. Real Madrid will need to raise their level if they are to retain their European crown.