Courtois Saves Real Madrid in 2-1 Champions League Win Over Inter

Real Madrid survived sustained Inter pressure to win 2-1 at the Bernabéu on José Mourinho’s first Champions League night since returning for a second spell as the Spanish club’s coach. Kylian Mbappé and Fede Valverde scored in the first half before Carlos Augusto pulled one back late, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a series of important saves.

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The Guardian reported that Inter began with the greater control and created the early openings. Courtois denied Marcus Thuram before Madrid had established themselves in possession, but the hosts struck with their first shot. Under pressure from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Inter lost the ball in their own half, allowing Brahim Díaz to release Mbappé, who finished past Josep Martínez in the 14th minute.

A second defensive error left Inter two goals behind after 23 minutes. Martínez attempted to evade Valverde near his goal line, but the midfielder won the ball and scored from close range. Madrid then threatened again through Vinícius Júnior, although Yann Bisseck recovered to make a challenge near the six-yard box.

Inter’s attacking numbers underlined how unusual the halftime score was. The Italian side had taken 12 shots to Madrid’s three and held 70 percent of possession, according to The Guardian. Curtis Jones struck the crossbar after Inter worked their way into the penalty area. At the other end, Martínez stopped Jude Bellingham and Díaz hit the post from the rebound shortly before the interval.

The chances continued after halftime. Courtois saved from Jones and Alessandro Bastoni, while Nicolò Barella shot wide and Thuram lifted an attempt over. Martínez also intervened repeatedly for Inter, denying Mbappé with his legs and scrambling across goal to keep out Bellingham from close range. Inter’s need to chase the game left space for Madrid, but the hosts could not turn their counterattacking opportunities into a third goal.

Inter finally reduced the deficit with about 15 minutes remaining. Lautaro Martínez reached the byline and cut the ball back for Augusto, who converted from six yards. The visitors continued to press, but Courtois produced another major save in the 89th minute to protect Madrid’s advantage and complete a demanding 2-1 victory.