Real Madrid won the opening game of their UCL season by a whisker against Inter Milan, courtesy of the substitute Rodrygo’s left-footed strike. It was not a convincing performance from the 13 times European Champions but at the end of the day, it is the three points that matter.
The Italian Champions were effectively dominant in the first half and were continuously knocking on Courtois’s goal. The home side was endlessly coming forward with Nico Barella, Lautaro Martinez, and Eden Dzeko to search for the opening goal. It was the Belgian goalkeeper who denied them the chance to take the lead on numerous occasions. Inzaghi’s men were very disciplined defensively and made it strenuous for Madrid to put the ball in the back of the net.
Inter Milan was inefficient to take their chances in front of the goal and failed to take their last season’s revenge against the Spanish club at San Siro.
Ancelloti’s men looked exhausted after getting just two days’ rest for the trip to Milan. Real Madrid was on the back foot from the commencement of the game, and it was their No. 1 who came up big for them and kept them alive in the tie. The visitors had their moments in the first half but failed to convert them.
Carlo Ancelotti made some surprising selection, putting Lucas Vazquez in place of Eden Hazard. The Spaniard did not have much playing time under his belt in the opening games but had a good night in Italy. Also, Nacho played in the left-back position, given the likes of Miguel Gutierrez, who was sitting on the bench.
The Spanish club made a comparatively stronger start to the second half and grew into the game as it progressed. It was their super-sub Rodrygo who combined with the deadline day signing Camavinga to give Real Madrid the lead in the final moments of the encounter and take home 3 points.
Here is our Real Madrid’s player ratings from the match against Inter Milan:-
Thibaut Courtois: 8.5
The Belgian was surely the best Real Madrid player for the night and kept his clean sheet. Courtois once again proved that he is a world-class player and made some stunning saves to keep the home side at bay.
Dani Carvajal: 6.5
The Spaniard was industrious on the right-back and was rock solid defensively. Carvajal barely gave any space for Inter to attack from the right. He played a couple of sloppy passes but recovered them well.
Eder Militao: 6
The defender made some crucial blocks and tackles to avoid the Italian side from taking the lead. Militao found it burdensome to sustain the unending Inter attacks. He was very close to open the scoring in the first half from a Modric’s corner.
David Alaba: 6.5
The Austrian was the leader of the defense and surely made a difference with his performance. He had a fierce battle with Dzeko throughout the game. Alaba also tried to whip in crosses for the forwards to attack.
Nacho: 5.5
Nacho played as the left-back for the night and had a decent performance defensively. The Spaniard did not provide much threat going forwards. He found it tough to defend the substitute Dumfries.
Luka Modric: 6
The Veteran looked tired and did not have much impact on the game though he tried to find the killer pass-through Inter’s compact defense. He was precise in his passing and made some pivotal interceptions in the middle of the park.
Casemiro: 5
The Brazilian had an exhausting game and had several misplaced passes. He could not help the team much defensively.
Federico Valverde: 7.5
Valverde worked tirelessly on the right-hand side of the midfield. He was one of the best Real Madrid players on the pitch and came up with crucial interceptions, and was always a threat forging ahead. The Uruguayan played a vital role in scoring the only goal of the match.
Vinicius Junior: 7
Vini was a constant threat to the home side whenever on the ball. The Brazilian came close to scoring on a couple of occasions tormenting Inter’s defense.
Karim Benzema: 6
The Frenchman had a quiet game but showed some good link-up play. It was one of those rare games for the galactico where he was not involved in the goal.
Lucas Vazquez: 6.5
The Spaniard was a surprise start for the night and tremendously helped Carvajal defensively. The Spaniard could not have much impact in the attacking half and was lacking fitness.
Substitutes
Rodrygo: 7.5
The Brazilian replaced Vazquez in the 65th minute of the match. Rodrygo was not much involved in the game but scored the all-important goal that decided the result of the clash, coming from the bench.
Eduardo Camavinga: 7
The youngster provided a very decisive assist in the dying minutes of the game on his UCL debut for the Los Blancos after replacing the fatigued Luka Modric with 10 minutes to go.
Marco Asensio: N/A
Asensio came on in the final few minutes of the game replacing Vinicius Junior.
