Real Madrid secured a gritty 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in their Champions League opener, but the performance did little to answer the lingering questions surrounding the squad.
Despite being forced to rebuild their midfield on the fly due to injuries and suspensions to key players like Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Eduardo Camavinga, and Dani Silva, the team managed to grind out a result. Even with Trent Alexander-Arnold deployed in an unfamiliar midfield role, securing three points against one of the toughest tests in the group stage remains a tangible achievement.
The hero of the night was undoubtedly Thibaut Courtois. At 34 years old, the Belgian goalkeeper delivered his first true masterclass of the season. He made crucial saves to rescue the win, proving that his claim to the title of the world’s best goalkeeper is far from expired. He will be there when Madrid needs him most.
Off the bench, Brahim Díaz also provided a much-needed spark. He was arguably the most effective attacker on the pitch, showcasing vertical dribbling and a willingness to take on defenders. While his decision-making could be sharper at times, he proved he is ready to contribute significantly when called upon.
However, the negatives are impossible to ignore. The most glaring issue is Madrid’s continued inability to control the game against elite opposition. As Inter manager José Mourinho noted post-game, neither team truly dictated the tempo. It was a chaotic, end-to-end affair. While that might work against some, it is a recipe for disaster when facing top-tier clubs like Arsenal, PSG, or Bayern Munich.
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Furthermore, the team’s star attackers are currently misfiring. Kylian Mbappé’s finishing remains uncharacteristically off, and he desperately needs the upcoming matches against Rayo Vallecano and Elche to rebuild his confidence before the crucial Madrid derby against Atlético on September 20th.
Similarly, Vinícius Júnior looked a step below his usual devastating self. He struggled to shake his markers, and his trademark burst of acceleration was noticeably absent. For a player who recently earned a lucrative contract extension, the club will need him to rediscover his peak form if they are to sustain a deep Champions League run.
Real Madrid survived the opening night with a vital win, but survival is not the same as dominance. The Champions League forgives very few mistakes, and the coming weeks will be a critical test of whether this squad can fix its flaws before the elite punish them.
Promise Idoko is Junior Reporter working with moderncrux He covers global politics and international affairs. Based in Nigeria,
