Real Madrid responded to their first defeat of the season by beating Inter Milan 2-1 in their UEFA Champions League opener, with manager Jose Mourinho insisting record signing Yan Diomande’s development must be handled “step by step”.
Los Blancos had suffered a 1-0 defeat by Real Betis before hosting Mourinho’s former club at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. That loss brought an end to Real Madrid’s perfect league record under the returning Portuguese manager.
Mourinho’s side quickly put that setback behind them in Europe, taking control against the defending Serie A champions through early goals from Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde. Those strikes ultimately proved sufficient to secure three points in their opening Champions League fixture.
The result marked an immediate response from Real Madrid after their first reverse of the campaign. Despite Inter Milan’s status as the defending Serie A champions, the Spanish side made the stronger start and established the advantage they needed during the opening stages.
Mourinho made two changes to his starting line-up, with Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Guler unavailable because of suspension. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Brahim Diaz were brought into the team, with Alexander-Arnold starting in midfield alongside the reshaped Real Madrid side.
Diomande was again introduced from the substitutes’ bench rather than being named in the starting XI. The 19-year-old, who is Real Madrid’s record signing, has yet to begin a match under Mourinho, despite calls for the Ivorian to be given a starting opportunity.
Mourinho said the teenager’s progress would be managed carefully after his late arrival during pre-season.
"Yan Diomande? We have to go step by step with him.
"He arrived in the last days of preseason, without any training sessions... so we must go step by step with him."
The manager’s comments underline the need for patience as Diomande adapts to his new surroundings. Mourinho’s decision to use him from the bench against Inter Milan followed the same cautious approach seen in the previous matches.
Real Madrid now turn their attention back to La Liga after opening their European campaign with victory. Mourinho’s team are due to return to domestic action on 12 September, when they welcome Rayo Vallecano for a home league fixture.
The meeting with Rayo Vallecano will give Real Madrid the chance to build on their Champions League response after the defeat by Real Betis. For Diomande, it will also provide another opportunity to continue his introduction to Mourinho’s team, although the manager has made clear that the process will proceed gradually.