Substituted at half-time at the Bernabéu, Pavard endures another nightmare evening with Inter

Benjamin Pavard did not last a half at the Bernabéu. Started by Christian Chivu for the Champions League round of 16 between Real Madrid and Inter Milan, the French defender was substituted by John Stones at the break on Tuesday evening after an insufficient performance in the Spanish capital.

Inter found themselves trailing 2-0 as early as the 23rd minute, but Pavard was not solely responsible for the scenario. On Kylian Mbappé’s opening goal in the 14th minute, it was Yann Bisseck, positioned as the right centre-back in the three-man defence, who was caught out. On the second goal, goalkeeper Josep Martinez made a costly error attempting a skill move against Federico Valverde.

But Pavard gifted Real another chance just before the break — not finished by Mbappé then Jude Bellingham at 45+1 — following a third turnover of his evening. Chivu made his decision: Bisseck, despite also struggling, reclaimed his right centre-back position for the second half, while Pavard headed to the bench.

This return to the Champions League recalled a painful episode: on 21 January 2026, at the Vélodrome, Pavard delivered a catastrophic performance in Marseille’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool. After that failed spell at Marseille — where he had hoped to revive his career to earn a place at the World Cup with the French national team — the northern defender had rejoined Inter without ever recapturing his level.

Nerazzurri nonetheless showed attacking resources against a Thibaut Courtois in fine form, creating numerous chances despite the double handicap. But for Pavard, the Madrid evening will remain above all another symbol of an extended wilderness that continues.