Real Madrid kicked off their UEFA Champions League league phase with a 2-1 victory over Inter at the Bernabeu, but don’t let that scoreline fool you: Jose Mourinho’s crew has some serious ground to make up if they want to be true contenders. Despite grabbing three points in what was probably the toughest match of the league phase, the Blancos are clearly at the beginning of their new cycle, far from being the dominant force in their quest for a record 15th Champions League title.
A Wild Ride That Could’ve Gone Anywhere
That 2-1 win? It was a chaotic mess, not a confident statement. Inter actually had a better start to the game, challenging Real Madrid hard. It took mistakes from Curtis Jones and Joseph Martinez to open the door for Real Madrid’s first two goals. From there, the game completely flipped, with both teams racking up a ton of chances. When Inter’s Carlos Augusto netted a late goal, making it 2-1, it felt like both teams could walk away feeling okay about their debuts, which tells you everything you need to know about how unpredictable that game was. Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe, all superstars, didn’t even have their best day on the pitch.
Mourinho Knows the Truth, and He’s Already Leading
Mourinho, ever the straight shooter, didn’t mince words after the match, even with the win. He loved the result and the three points against a strong team, calling it a “spectacular game for those watching at home.” But for him? “A little less so,” he admitted. He described it as a “completely crazy game,” one that “could have ended 5-0 to us, 5-5, 6-5, or even 7-6.” He saw the missed chances on both sides, how Inter could’ve scored first, and how Real Madrid could’ve “put the game to bed” way earlier. It was a “wild, unpredictable game right until the end,” he stressed.
But here’s the cool part: Mourinho is already acting like a true leader. When Vinicius Jr. left the pitch in the second half, and the Bernabeu fans weren’t exactly thrilled with his performance, Mourinho stepped in. He applauded Vinicius Jr. right there in front of everyone, making a clear statement. Kylian Mbappe even praised Mourinho, saying he’s already so important for the dressing room. Real Madrid fans know this is just the start, with a new manager and fresh tactical approaches. They’re chasing that 15th title, but if this early showing is any indication, it’s going to be a long, wild ride with plenty of improvements needed along the way.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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