Real Madrid opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win over Inter at the Bernabeu, but the result told only part of the story. Kylian Mbappe's goal moved him level with Raul's record of 71 Champions League strikes, a landmark moment for a player who was also named the club's Player of the Month for August by supporters. The win was hard-fought, and the manner of it raised questions as much as it answered them.

Mourinho's squad is operating under significant pressure. Federico Valverde publicly admitted that players ignored tactical instructions during the second half, allowing Inter back into a game Real Madrid had controlled. Jude Bellingham was similarly self-critical, frustrated by missed chances that kept the scoreline tight. Mourinho defended Vinicius Junior after the Brazilian was booed by his own supporters before being substituted, insisting the winger was simply not at his best. These are the tensions of a squad still finding its shape under a new manager.

Courtois was central to the victory and Real Madrid are reportedly preparing a contract extension to keep him at the club for a potential tenth season, a sign of confidence in the goalkeeper despite separate news that he will skip Belgium's upcoming Nations League campaign. Sitting third in LaLiga with nine points from four games, the club now turns its attention to a home fixture against Rayo Vallecano on September 12, a match that offers a chance to build domestic momentum.