On September 9, 2026 (Beijing time), Real Madrid beat Inter Milan 2:1 at home in the opening match of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League season, securing a winning start to their Champions League campaign. Kylian Mbappé put Real Madrid ahead with a sliding shot in the 14th minute, taking his tally of Champions League goals to 71. Federico Valverde extended the lead by poking the ball home in the 23rd minute, and Carlos Augusto pulled one back for Inter Milan in the 77th minute. Jan Bisseck was shown a yellow card after pushing Marc Cucurella from behind near the corner flag, sparking a confrontation between players from both sides.
Thibaut Courtois made nine crucial saves in the fixture. Valverde was named the official UEFA Champions League Player of the Match for his goal and three tackles. Vinicius Jr. recovered possession nine times in the game, setting a recent club record. The two teams have met 19 times previously, with Real Madrid holding the edge with 10 wins, two draws and seven defeats. Real Madrid have won all four of their Champions League clashes with Inter Milan this century and have won each of their last seven home European matches against the Italian side. Real Madrid and Inter Milan will take on AS Roma and Club Brugge respectively in their next fixtures.
