Overview
- Real Madrid beat Inter 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu after two early mistakes produced both goals, with Kylian Mbappé scoring from a Jones–Bisseck turnover and Federico Valverde finishing after Josep Martínez lost the ball in the box.
- Despite falling 2-0 inside the first 25 minutes, Inter dominated possession and created many chances, finishing with roughly two-thirds possession and more shots than Real but converting too few opportunities to recover the game.
- Martínez made key saves later in the match that prevented a heavier defeat, but his risky dribble that led to the second goal prompted sharp criticism among fans and media even as team leaders praised his reaction.
- Chivu publicly defended Martínez and confirmed he will start the club’s upcoming domestic matches, keeping Ivan Provedel as the likely cup alternative and signalling the coach will not make an immediate change in the pecking order.
- The game intensified debate over Inter’s tactics and finishing, with pundits divided on whether the team underused width and changes of play, and it reinforced a pattern of strong control in big matches paired with occasional costly lapses.