Jose Mourinho celebrated a thrilling return to the Champions League with Real Madrid after the Spanish giants defeated Inter Milan 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.
The victory gave Mourinho an ideal start to his latest European campaign with Madrid. However, the Portuguese coach admitted that the match offered almost everything, from missed chances to defensive errors and late pressure.
Speaking to Movistar after the game, Mourinho described the contest as a chaotic but entertaining encounter. He enjoyed the attacking football and the number of chances created by both teams.
“I prefer to call this a crazy match – generally, there’s so much criticism when a game is boring, but today it was crazy – it could easily have ended 7-6!”
The Madrid coach also praised his players for dealing with a difficult midfield situation. He explained that injuries and Inter’s early changes left him with limited options as the match progressed.
“We had a depleted midfield, Inter made substitutions very early on, and I didn’t have many options for midfield. I made changes when I saw the players were struggling, but I think they did a great job. It certainly wasn’t boring!”
Mourinho Praises Madrid’s Work Rate
Mourinho believes Madrid’s second goal showed the value of the work they had done on the training ground. Federico Valverde capitalized on pressure from the hosts and helped Madrid build a two goal advantage.
“We had the chance to make it 3-0 in the final minute of the first half. I want to give credit to my players because pressing is something you train for and [Federico] Valverde’s goal is the result of hard work.”
Despite Madrid’s control at times, Inter created enough opportunities to keep the home side under pressure. Thibaut Courtois made several important saves, while Madrid also wasted chances when they broke forward.
Mourinho felt both teams struggled to control the flow of the game. Yet, he viewed that uncertainty as part of what made the match so enjoyable.
“It’s one thing that neither you nor they have control of the match – and I’d say our opponent didn’t have it either. [Thibaut] Courtois made a lot of saves, but how many chances did we miss in transition? It was a great match.”
The coach also singled out Vinícius Júnior for praise. Mourinho acknowledged that the Brazilian has not yet reached his best level, but he was pleased with the forward’s work rate and commitment.
“He worked hard – incredibly hard. I know it, we all know it, and he knows it – he isn’t quite sharp yet – he isn’t quite ‘Vinícius’ yet – but he works hard, and anyone who works hard and gives their all deserves respect.”
The result gave Madrid three valuable points to open their Champions League campaign. It also strengthened their impressive home record against Inter, with the Spanish giants having won their previous seven meetings with the Italian side at home.
Former Madrid great Raúl González also praised the result while working as a Movistar pundit. He highlighted the difficulty of facing an organised Inter side and noted that Madrid still had to survive a tense finish.
“The best part is securing the three points; it wasn’t easy, as Inter are a team with a very well-drilled structure, and Madrid were missing players in midfield. Madrid’s goals came from the opposition playing out from the back; they also had some clear-cut chances, and Inter’s goal created some uncertainty at the end. But it’s a good result to kick off the campaign.”
Mourinho’s return therefore began with a win, but the performance also showed areas Madrid must improve. The Portuguese coach will now turn his attention to their next Champions League assignment against Roma on October 14.
