Real Madrid edge Inter Milan as Mbappe makes history

By Tosin Omojola 

Kylian Mbappe moved joint-fifth on the all-time Champions League and European Cup goalscorers’ list as Real Madrid defeated Inter Milan.

The France captain, 27, opened the scoring for Jose Mourinho’s side in the 14th minute with a clinical finish from just inside the box, taking his tally to 71 goals in 99 appearances in the competition.

Only Karim Benzema (90), Robert Lewandowski (109), Lionel Messi (129) and Cristiano Ronaldo (140) have scored more goals.

Three-time Real Madrid Champions League winner Raul has also scored 71 goals, but in 142 appearances. Real doubled their lead in the 23rd minute, with Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez making a costly error. The Spanish keeper lost possession following a back pass from Benjamin Pavard, allowing Real captain Federico Valverde to dispossess him and tap the ball into an empty net.

Martinez redeemed himself late in the first half with a double save to deny Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, before the post came to Inter’s rescue. Italian champions Inter had started brightly, with Thibaut Courtois, making his 100th Champions League appearance, saving efforts from Hakan Calhanoglu and Lautaro Martinez.

Inter also struck the crossbar through former Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, while they introduced John Stones, a Champions League winner with Manchester City in 2023.

In an entertaining game filled with chances, Bellingham missed a golden opportunity to make it 3-0 for the record 15-time European champions. Inter were handed a lifeline in the 77th minute when Carlos Augusto swept home to set up a tense finale between Mourinho’s current and former clubs.

Despite the victory, Real Madrid fans were unhappy with their team’s performance and made their feelings known throughout the match.