Real Madrid survived a frenetic contest to beat Inter 2-1, preserving a first-half lead in a match that produced 37 shots and a series of remarkable saves.
Kylian Mbappé and Fede Valverde put Real ahead in the first half, while Carlos Augusto’s 77th-minute strike gave Inter hope and set up a dramatic finish. The game frequently swung between goalmouths, and both goalkeepers were kept busy throughout, combining for 13 saves.
Late drama and Courtois heroics
Thibaut Courtois was pivotal in the closing stages, most notably with an astonishing stop in the 89th minute to deny Henrikh Mkhitaryan and preserve Madrid’s advantage. The save underlined a match in which chances were plentiful and the scoreline might easily have been very different.
José Mourinho, present for the occasion, praised Courtois after the game, saying: “If he wasn’t voted man of the match tonight, he never will be.” Mourinho also reflected on the chaotic nature of the contest, suggesting it was unpredictable and could have produced almost any scoreline.
Despite Inter’s late pressure, Real held on to their narrow lead to secure the win. The result came after a first half in which Madrid established their advantage and then withstood a determined late response from their opponents.