Sports

Mourinho Reflects on Wild Win Over Inter, Says Match Could Have Ended 7-6

By Periskopi

José Mourinho described Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Inter Milan as a 'mad match' in the opening round of this season's Champions League. Real Madrid entered the game severely depleted, with Bernardo Silva, Arda Güler and Eduardo Camavinga suspended, while Eder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo were sidelined through injury. Aurélien Tchouaméni, Endrick and Thiago Pitarch were also not fully fit for the match. Despite the absences, Real Madrid capitalized on two clear Inter errors within the first 25 minutes. Kylian Mbappé was left unmarked following a mistaken pass by Curtis Jones, and Federico Valverde punished goalkeeper Josep Martínez after he attempted to dribble inside his own penalty area. Speaking to Sky Sports Italy, Mourinho said he was pleased with the three points against a strong opponent, though he acknowledged the match was thrilling for neutral viewers, if stressful for those involved. 'This fight was crazy. It could have ended 5-0, 5-5, 7-6, or 5-6 for us — there were so many incidents,' Mourinho said. He noted that Real Madrid struggled to control space in midfield while defending deep, but felt they could have gone 3-0 up before halftime. He also mentioned a incident involving Jude Bellingham, adding that Inter also had several chances of their own during an open, unpredictable contest. Mourinho addressed criticism directed at Mbappé, who has faced accusations of being selfish and not contributing enough defensively. 'Mbappé worked hard, scored an important goal, and had two or three chances that usually result in goals. I'm not worried about him — he will keep scoring. He's likely to finish as the Champions League's top scorer again this season, and he puts in the effort for the team. I couldn't be more satisfied,' Mourinho said. The match also marked a reunion between Mourinho and Inter coach Cristian Chivu, who served under Mourinho during Inter's treble-winning 2010 season. 'We hugged before the match. He knows how I feel about him, and I know how he feels about me. During the 90 minutes, all of that is set aside, but we may talk again if we get the chance,' Mourinho said. Looking ahead, Mourinho will face another emotional reunion when Real Madrid travels to Rome's Stadio Olimpico to play against Roma, the club that dismissed him. He compared the upcoming trip to his previous returns to former clubs like Chelsea, saying it would be his first time back in Rome since leaving. 'It will undoubtedly be emotional, but only before and after the match. During the game, I'll have only the match in mind,' he said. When asked why Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez was so intent on bringing him back to the club, Mourinho offered a characteristically pointed response: 'Because the situation was difficult. If it's easy, it's not for me. If it's hard, call José.'