Inter comes away defeated from the Santiago Bernabéu in their season opener in the Champions League. Cristian Chivu‘s team falls 2-1 against Real Madrid, confirming a negative trend against the Blancos: four encounters in this competition since 2000, never a win for the Nerazzurri.
The first half sees Inter approach the game with courage. In the 18th minute, the Nerazzurri have six shots to Real’s one, three of which are on target. Thuram finds a good chance after a sweeping move with Lautaro Martinez, but the Belgian goalkeeper saves. Calhanoglu comes close to scoring with a powerful free kick from the edge of the box, central but fierce.
However, Real strikes at their first real attack: a lapse from Jones and Bisseck, Mbappé finds himself alone in front of Martinez and makes no mistake. Before halftime, the lead is doubled: Martinez tries to dribble in his own area against Valverde, who steals the ball and slots home for 2-0. At the end of the half, the Nerazzurri goalkeeper redeems himself with a miraculous save on Bellingham.
In the second half, Chivu brings on Stones for Pavard. Jones hits the crossbar with a left-footed diagonal after a combination with Lautaro and Carlos Augusto. Martinez is the protagonist with two decisive saves on Mbappé and Bellingham, the latter denied with the goal gaping. Diaz nearly makes it three for Madrid, but the Spanish goalkeeper says no again.
In the 84th minute, Carlos Augusto pulls one back: Lautaro does well on the left and serves the Brazilian, who enters the box and with a powerful finish beats Courtois. Inter tries a final assault with their remaining energy, but Real Madrid manages the game and takes home all three points. The negative streak continues for the Nerazzurri: Inter have lost five of their last six Champions League matches in the 2025/26 season, as many defeats as they had suffered in their previous 39 games in the competition.
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