Real Madrid took a massive gut punch on Friday, suffering Jose Mourinho’s first competitive defeat in his second stint at the Bernabéu. Los Blancos lost 1-0 to Real Betis at Estadio La Cartuja, despite generating a stunning 3.46 xG and having a late equalizer disallowed for offside. Kylian Mbappe even squandered a stoppage-time penalty, capping off a nightmare that snapped their perfect La Liga start, which included a 4-0 rout of Malaga last time out. Now, with the Champions League opener against Inter looming, Madrid faces a brutal reality.
Mourinho’s Return Hits a Roadblock
After missing out on Champions League glory during his first stint, Mourinho gets another shot, but this journey starts against his beloved Inter after a rough welcome back. Madrid’s last Champions League triumph was in 2024, followed by back-to-back quarter-final exits. That’s a huge problem, especially with their home city hosting the final next June. Last season was rough in the league phase too, with three losses in eight matches. Even scarier, they’re at risk of losing three consecutive Champions League games for the first time since April 2025, after Bayern Munich beat them in both quarter-final legs last season. That’s an unwanted feat for sure, but the 36-time La Liga champions can lean on their superb scoring record under Mourinho, finding the net in 35 of 36 Champions League games with the “Special One” at the helm. And let’s be real, Inter’s visit bodes well for a bounce-back: Los Merengues have won their last four encounters against the Nerazzurri and eight of the nine meetings at the Bernabéu. Plus, they’ve won 19 of their last 21 European matches against Italian opposition. Talk about a confidence booster they desperately need.
Inter’s Comeback Kid Mentality
The visitors, Serie A champions Inter, should be absolutely buzzing after overturning a 2-0 deficit in Saturday’s remarkable 3-2 home win over Napoli. Captain Lautaro Martinez bagged a match-winning brace to kick off his 2026/27 season, setting up his side perfectly for this clash. But let’s not forget, after last year’s disappointing Champions League exit, Cristian Chivu’s men have a huge point to prove. Chivu, who actually lifted the Champions League trophy in 2010 as a player for Inter, saw his hopes of repeating that success from the touchline fall apart in last season’s playoff round against Bodo/Glimt. That was the only blemish on a memorable first season where he helped Inter win the domestic double. However, their record in Madrid is dreadful: they’ve failed to win any of their last four UEFA-sanctioned fixtures against La Liga sides, highlighting just how massive the task is for Chivu’s squad on Tuesday.
This Champions League opener isn’t just a game; it’s a statement for both sides. Real Madrid needs to stop the bleed and avoid a historic losing streak, while Inter is itching to prove last year was a fluke and show they belong. Get ready for some fireworks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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