Valverde Capitalises on Martinez Error as Madrid Go 2-0 Up

Real Madrid moved 2-0 ahead of Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu after Federico Valverde punished goalkeeper Josep Martinez for a major error while playing out from the back.

Martinez lost possession just outside his own goal in the 23rd minute as Valverde pressed fiercely. The Madrid midfielder took the ball from the Inter keeper and rolled it into an unguarded net, handing the hosts a two-goal advantage.

Quick facts

Real Madrid lead Inter Milan 2-0 in their Champions League league-phase match.
Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the 14th minute.
Brahim Diaz provided the pass for Mbappe’s finish.
Federico Valverde capitalised on Josep Martinez’s mistake to score Madrid’s second in the 23rd minute.
The match remains in progress at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Mbappe had put Madrid in front nine minutes earlier, converting after Brahim Diaz picked him out with a sharp pass. The French forward’s finish gave the home side the early breakthrough against the Nerazzurri.

Inter’s response was immediately made harder by Martinez’s lapse. The Spanish goalkeeper had controlled a pass in front of goal as Inter tried to start an attack, but Valverde closed the space quickly and forced the decisive turnover.

Inter now need a rapid tactical response and a route back into the contest in Madrid. Real have the comfort of a commanding early lead, while the visitors must recover from two damaging moments if they are to take anything from the Spanish capital.