Kylian Mbappe climbed to joint-fifth on the all-time Champions League and European Cup goal scorers list as Real Madrid defeated Inter Milan.
The 27-year-old France captain netted the first goal for Jose Mourinho’s team with a precise finish in the 14th minute from just inside the area—marking his 71st goal in 99 matches in the tournament.
Only Karim Benzema (90), Robert Lewandowski (109), Lionel Messi (129), and Cristiano Ronaldo (140) have netted more goals.
Raul, a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, netted 71 goals in 142 matches.
Real made their first attempt on goal, and the next one resulted in a second goal in the 23rd minute following a glaring error by Inter’s Spanish keeper, Josep Martinez.
Martinez relinquished control following a back pass from Benjamin Pavard, as captain Federico Valverde seized the ball from the keeper before nudging it over the line.
Martinez rectified his earlier mistake at the end of the first half with a double save against Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, while the post also helped Inter.
Italian champions Inter made a strong start, with Thibaut Courtois, playing in his 100th Champions League match, denying efforts from Hakan Calhanoglu and Lautaro Martinez.
Inter also struck the crossbar thanks to ex-Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, while they brought in John Stones—a Champions League champion with Manchester City in 2023.
In a match filled with opportunities, Bellingham failed to convert a prime chance to extend the lead to 3-0 for the record 15-time European champions before Carlos Augusto scored in the 77th minute, creating an exciting conclusion between Mourinho’s current and old teams.
Although they won, Real’s supporters expressed discontent with their team’s display and voiced their opinions throughout the match.
