Real Madrid edge Inter Milan in Mourinho's Champions League return

Real Madrid marked Jose Mourinho's return to the Champions League with an entertaining 2-1 victory over his former club Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.

The 15-time European champions took control in the first half after Kylian Mbappe and Fede Valverde capitalised on costly defensive mistakes from the Italian visitors.

Inter fought back after the break through Carlos Augusto, but despite sustained pressure late in the match, Cristian Chivu's side could not find a second goal.

The victory was particularly significant for Mourinho, who guided Inter to their historic Champions League triumph in 2010. That final was also played at the Bernabeu, where the Portuguese coach celebrated one of the defining achievements of his career before leaving for Madrid days later.

Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid following two seasons without a major trophy and a series of disappointing early exits in European competition. Club president Florentino Perez turned to the experienced coach in an attempt to revive the club's fortunes, and the opening-night victory provided an immediate boost.

Madrid entered the match looking to respond to Friday's defeat at Real Betis, their first loss of the season in La Liga.

Inter made the brighter start and created several opportunities, with Courtois called upon to deny Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez. But the visitors were undone by mistakes at the back.

Madrid opened the scoring in the 14th minute after Curtis Jones misplaced a pass and left Yann Bisseck under pressure. Brahim Diaz reacted quickly, winning possession and feeding Mbappe, who raced through before confidently firing past the goalkeeper.

The second goal came after another costly error. Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez took too long to clear the ball despite Valverde closing him down. The Madrid midfielder seized the opportunity, dispossessed the goalkeeper and rolled the ball into the empty net.

Madrid had chances to extend their advantage before half-time, but Martinez redeemed himself with an outstanding save to deny Jude Bellingham.

The Inter goalkeeper was again called into action after Mbappe broke through the defence, keeping out the French forward's low effort before somehow blocking Bellingham's close-range attempt.

Bellingham was presented with another excellent opportunity early in the second half when Diaz worked his way into the penalty area and delivered a cross. Instead of heading the ball first time, the England midfielder attempted to control it, allowing Martinez enough time to recover and make another important save.

Inter continued searching for a way back into the contest, while Courtois remained equally important for Madrid. The Belgian goalkeeper produced another fine stop to keep out Alessandro Bastoni's low effort.

Madrid continued to threaten on the counterattack but were unable to put the game beyond doubt. Martinez denied Mbappe once more, while Diaz narrowly missed the target.

Inter finally reduced the deficit in the 77th minute. Lautaro Martinez delivered a dangerous cross into the area and Carlos Augusto struck a powerful finish beyond Courtois to set up a tense finale.

The visitors pushed forward in search of an equaliser, while Madrid fans became frustrated during a substitution when Alvaro Carreras was forced to wait on the touchline as Vinicius Junior took longer than expected to leave the field.

Inter continued to apply pressure in the closing stages, but Courtois preserved Madrid's lead with another crucial save, turning away a deflected effort from Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Madrid ultimately held on to claim all three points, giving Mourinho a winning start to his latest European campaign with the Spanish giants.