Real Madrid down Inter 2-1 as Mbappe matches Raul

Real Madrid began their new UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan, with Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde scoring to seal a memorable night at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Inter started brightly and tested Thibaut Courtois early, but Real capitalised on a defensive lapse to break the deadlock in the 14th minute.

Brahim Diaz intercepted a loose pass and set up Mbappe, who produced a composed finish to put the hosts ahead. The goal took the French forward’s European Cup and Champions League tally to 71 in 99 appearances, moving him level with Real Madrid great Raul Gonzalez and into the competition’s all-time top five scorers.

Real doubled their advantage nine minutes later when Valverde capitalised on a defensive error and raced through before finishing into an unguarded net.

Inter responded strongly after the break and were rewarded in the 77th minute when Carlos Augusto powered a shot past Courtois following a cross from Lautaro Martinez.

The Italian side pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Courtois stood firm. The Real goalkeeper produced a crucial late save to deny Henrikh Mkhitaryan and preserve all three points for the hosts.

The victory gives Real Madrid an ideal start to their European campaign, while Inter were left to rue missed chances and costly defensive mistakes.