"This is the worst Real I have seen in years", a viewer wrote on social media X after the team's victory over Inter at the Bernabeu on the evening of 8/9.

Real failed to demonstrate the expected dominance of a favored team, even with nearly 75,000 home fans. From the outset, coach Mourinho's squad seemed outplayed, almost conceding in the third minute when Thibaut Courtois blocked Marcus Thuram's volley. Ten minutes later, Inter created another opportunity. Three visiting players surged forward against two Real defenders, but Lautaro Martinez's decision to shoot from distance allowed Courtois to parry the ball.

Coach Jose Mourinho (center) reacts during the Real Madrid vs. Inter Champions League match at the Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain, on 8/9/2026. Photo: AP

Real also benefited from luck in their offense. In the 14th minute, after Yan Bisseck misjudged a ball, Kylian Mbappe seized the opportunity to score the opening goal. By the 23rd minute, the hosts scored again through a stroke of luck. Goalkeeper Josep Martinez's attempt to play the ball with his feet resulted in a deflection off Federico Valverde, sending the ball into the net.

Real's fortunate 2-0 lead seemed to seal the match's fate. Yet, the greater concern was the 15-time champions' unconvincing performance over the remaining 70 minutes, failing to build on their advantage for a decisive victory. Inter ended the game with a goal back and superior statistics, such as: 64% possession compared to Real's 36%, 11 corner kicks to 4, and 21 shots to 16.

"Inter truly played well and deserved a better result", a Real fan conceded on X. Another commenter suggested the visitors would have won had they not committed so many errors in the first half.

Coach Mourinho could cite the suspensions of Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga, and Arda Guler. However, even if available, only one of these three—Camavinga, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold—would likely secure a starting spot. Last weekend, with all three playing in the 4th round of La Liga, Real still suffered a 0-1 defeat to Betis.

Real had a turbulent season under former coaches Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa. President Florentino Perez has now tasked Mourinho, who previously laid the groundwork for the team from 2010 to 2013, with the rebuilding effort.

Demanding immediate success, however, may be unrealistic. Even during his first tenure, managing stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria, and Mesut Ozil, Mourinho secured only the Copa del Rey in his first year and La Liga in his second. With the current squad, where only Mbappe and Vinicius truly shine, "The Special One" will likely require time, creativity, player effort, and, crucially, President Perez's patience.

Compiled by Thanh Quy