Real Madrid opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan, but the result masked a performance that highlighted several concerns for manager José Mourinho.

Madrid made the most of Inter’s defensive errors to establish a two-goal lead, with Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde finding the net. Inter responded through Carlos Augusto in the second half and finished the match with enough control and attacking pressure to make the closing stages uncomfortable for the home side.

For Mourinho, the three points were the immediate priority. But if Real Madrid are to challenge for the Champions League title, Tuesday’s performance suggested that significant improvement will be required.

Inter Controlled Much of the First Half

The scoreline did not reflect the balance of play during large portions of the opening half.

Inter controlled possession and repeatedly moved the ball into dangerous areas, while Madrid struggled to establish consistent control in midfield. The Italian side's dominance was particularly evident in their ability to progress the ball into the attacking third.

Madrid, however, were more efficient when opportunities appeared.

Mbappé opened the scoring after capitalising on pressure applied to Inter defender Yann Bisseck. Brahim Díaz supplied the final pass before the French forward finished the move.

Valverde then doubled Madrid’s advantage after another mistake, this time involving Inter goalkeeper Josep Martínez.

Courtois Keeps Madrid Ahead

Inter's inability to convert their opportunities ultimately proved decisive.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced a series of important saves, including seven in total, as Inter repeatedly threatened.

Carlos Augusto eventually pulled one goal back in the 77th minute, setting up a tense finish.

Madrid survived, but the match reinforced a concern that could become significant against stronger opponents: the team cannot expect Courtois to repeatedly compensate for defensive and midfield weaknesses in major European games.

Midfield Balance Remains a Concern

Madrid were also missing Arda Güler through suspension. The youngster has been among the team's most influential performers early in the season.

Bernardo Silva was another absence, with the midfielder expected to provide greater control and composure in possession.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was used in a central midfield role, but the experiment did not provide the authority Madrid needed in the first half.

The lack of midfield control allowed Inter to dictate the rhythm for long periods and forced Madrid to rely heavily on individual quality.

Mbappé Still Madrid’s Biggest Weapon

Despite the team's broader issues, Mbappé remains a decisive attacking force.

The France international scored his 15th Champions League goal of last season's campaign and again demonstrated how quickly he can turn defensive pressure into a scoring opportunity.

His ability to create and finish chances gives Mourinho a significant advantage, particularly in matches where Madrid do not dominate possession.

But the team's dependence on individual brilliance could become problematic as the Champions League progresses.

Mourinho Wants Results First

Mourinho has made it clear that winning matters more to him than producing attractive football without securing points.

The victory over Inter therefore gives him a positive starting point in the competition. Madrid have three points on the board and have defeated a major European opponent.

Yet the manager's larger task is to develop an identity that allows the team to control matches rather than simply survive them.

More Than a Scoreline Will Be Needed

Real Madrid have the players to compete with Europe's strongest sides, but Tuesday's performance showed that talent alone may not be enough.

The defence must become more reliable, midfield control needs to improve and the team will have to reduce its dependence on Courtois and Mbappé.

With the Champions League only beginning, there is time for Mourinho to address those weaknesses. But if Real Madrid reproduce the same imbalance against the competition's strongest teams, victories will become much harder to secure.

Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a dramatic quarter-final at SoFi Stadium, with Mikel Merino once again emerging as the match-winner.

Merino scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute, just four days after his injury-time winner against Portugal in the Round of 16, sending La Roja into a highly anticipated last-four showdown against France.

The Arsenal midfielder capitalised on a costly error by Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who spilled Pau Cubarsí's long-range effort into Merino's path. The Spanish midfielder made no mistake, firing home on just his second touch after coming off the bench.

Ruiz Opens the Scoring

Spain took the lead in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz converted from close range after a rebound, rewarding the team's early dominance.

Belgium responded before halftime through Charles De Ketelaere, whose powerful header in the 41st minute ended Spain's remarkable run of not conceding a goal throughout the tournament. It was also goalkeeper Unai Simón's first goal conceded in a World Cup after a record 650-minute shutout streak dating back to Qatar.

Merino Delivers Again

With the match seemingly heading towards extra time, Merino once again proved to be Spain's unlikely hero. Introduced in the 86th minute, he anticipated Lammens' handling error and calmly slotted home the winner two minutes later.

Speaking after the match, Merino admitted the moment felt surreal.

"Honestly, it's crazy to help the team once again. I prepare for when the moment comes, and hopefully they keep coming," he said.

The midfielder has now scored two crucial knockout-stage goals in his debut World Cup campaign.

Courtois Injury Hurts Belgium

Belgium suffered a major setback in the second half when first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury after receiving treatment on the field.

His replacement, Senne Lammens, made several important interventions but was unfortunate in the closing stages as his spill led directly to Spain's winning goal.

Belgium pushed hard for an equaliser in stoppage time, with Romelu Lukaku leading the attack, but Spain's defence held firm to secure victory.

Semi-final Showdown Awaits

The win sends Spain into their first FIFA World Cup semi-final since lifting the trophy in 2010. They will now face France in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday in what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente expressed confidence ahead of the clash.

"It will be a clash of giants. We are capable of winning this game. France are a great football nation, but I trust our team."

Spain extended their unbeaten run in competitive matches to 37 games, while Belgium's impressive 18-match unbeaten streak came to an end.

The semi-final between two of Europe's football powerhouses is expected to be one of the marquee fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.