Madrid, Sep 09 (V7N)- Real Madrid bounced back from their disappointing La Liga defeat to Real Betis with a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in their Champions League opener at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Following their 1-0 loss to Betis in Matchweek 4, Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde faced criticism from the Spanish media. The pair responded in style as Real Madrid secured all three points against Inter.
Inter started strongly in Madrid. Just three minutes into the match, Thibaut Courtois denied Marcus Thuram's volley. Hakan Çalhanoğlu then threatened from a free-kick as the visitors looked dangerous in the opening stages.
However, Real Madrid gradually took control. In the 14th minute, a mistake by Yann Bisseck allowed Brahim Díaz to win possession. Díaz then set up Mbappé, who finished clinically to give the hosts the lead.
Real Madrid doubled their advantage nine minutes later following another Inter error. Goalkeeper Josep Martínez tried to play the ball out under pressure from Valverde, but the midfielder forced a mistake that resulted in the ball ending up in the net.
Inter continued to fight and eventually reduced the deficit in the 77th minute. Carlos Augusto found the net after receiving an assist from Lautaro Martínez.
The Italian side pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but Real Madrid's defense held firm.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid, giving the 15-time European champions a winning start to their Champions League campaign.
END/SMA/AJ
