Real Madrid began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter at the Bernabeu on 8/9. Following the match, coach Jose Mourinho expressed his displeasure with comments made by Raul Gonzalez, who was making his debut as a commentator.

Coach Jose Mourinho reacts during the Real Madrid versus Inter Champions League match at the Bernabeu stadium, Madrid, Spain, on 8/9/2026. *Photo: AP*

Raul Gonzalez, a 49-year-old former Real captain, assessed his old team's performance, stating, "Both of Real's goals came from errors in Inter's build-up play. After that, Real created many clear chances, but Inter's goal made the final minutes unsettling".

This remark appeared to displease Mourinho. When reconnected from the Bernabeu and hearing Raul's analysis, the Portuguese coach suggested that Real's victory was not solely due to opponent errors. "I agree with Raul that the goals came at a time when they made mistakes, but I want to credit my players", Mourinho said. He emphasized the role of training in creating opportunities: "Pressing is something that can be trained: how to press, where to press, the work done, and Valverde's goal is a result of training".

Mourinho also refuted the comment that Real lacked control of the match. According to him, neither Real nor Inter truly controlled the game's flow. "Courtois had to make many saves, but how many chances did we miss in transitions? It was a great match", Mourinho continued, highlighting the chaotic nature of the game. The 63-year-old coach even suggested the match could have ended 6-6 or 7-6, noting that "Real created enough chances to finish off their opponents early, including an opportunity to make it 3-0 at the end of the first half. Inter also had favorable situations and forced the home side to defend in the latter part of the game". He added, "I liked the result and the three points against a very strong team. But this match was crazy. It could have ended 5-0 for us, 5-5, 7-6, or 5-6. There were too many chances".

Mourinho (right) and Raul on television during the Real versus Inter match. *Photo: Marca*

The victory against Inter occurred with Real missing many midfield players. Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler, and Eduardo Camavinga were suspended, while Aurelien Tchouameni, Endrick, and Thiago Pitarch were not in optimal physical condition. Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio, and Rodrygo were also absent due to injuries. Mourinho acknowledged these absences forced him to make in-game adjustments. Noticing his players struggling, he changed the tactical setup and believed they performed their tasks well.

Both of Real's goals came within the first 25 minutes. Kylian Mbappe capitalized on a misplaced pass from Curtis Jones to open the scoring, before Federico Valverde benefited from a goalkeeping error by Josep Martinez to make it 2-0. Inter then reduced the deficit and created significant pressure.

Vinicius Junior passes the ball during the Real Madrid versus Inter Champions League match at the Bernabeu stadium, Madrid, Spain, on 8/9/2026. *Photo: AP*

Mourinho also defended Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, two stars who received mixed reactions from the Bernabeu crowd. Mbappe was criticized for playing too individually and not supporting his teammates enough, but Mourinho asserted that the French forward worked hard, scored an important goal, and also had two or three chances he would normally convert. Regarding Vinicius, Mourinho believed the Brazilian player was not yet in his best form but was making a great effort. "He isn't truly sharp yet, not the Vinicius we've seen before, but he works a lot. Anyone who works and gives their all deserves respect", Mourinho emphasized.

*Hoang An (from Marca, Football Italia)*