First Champions League Win! Mourinho on Real Madrid's 2-1 Victory Over Inter: Score Could Have Been 7-6

At the post-match press conference, Mourinho's familiar face appeared on camera, and his first sentence immediately caught everyone's attention: in this crazy match, the score could easily have been seven to six.

Seven to six? Really, is that the kind of evaluation a head coach should give right after a match? The reporters at the scene were probably stunned, with some lowering their heads to take notes and others unable to hold back a laugh. But on closer thought, this statement perfectly fits Mourinho's style.

He said he was very satisfied with the result, which was the most practical response after taking all three points. Facing a talented strong team, whether playing away or at home was no longer important; securing three points was enough. In the opening round of the Champions League, who would not want a winning start?

But Mourinho changed his tone, saying that the match was spectacular for the spectators, but not necessarily so for him and Chivu. What does it mean that it was not the same for coaches? It was an interesting comment. Every minute on the pitch, the heartbeat on the coaching bench was no calmer than that of the players.

He described the score as something that could have been 5-0, 5-5, 7-6, or 6-5. Both sides created many scoring chances, which showed the intensity of the Champions League. One side attacked, the other defended; one side won the ball, the other counterattacked. The pace was so fast that there was almost no time to breathe.

Speaking about the opponent's midfield setup, Mourinho openly admitted that it was a difficult problem. A deep defensive approach was indeed hard to make work effectively against Inter's smooth passing and possession. Real Madrid did try to sit deeper, but Inter's midfield organization was too delicate, and pressing too aggressively could instead create gaps.

Real Madrid's counterattacks were precisely the most lethal weapon in this match. Whenever people thought they were about to stabilize the situation, a through ball or a quick advance could immediately change the score. This speed of transition is exactly the tactical philosophy Mourinho is best known for.

There was actually a key moment in the first half when Real Madrid had a chance to extend the lead to 3-0. If they had sealed the match then, the later drama might not have been so intense. But that is football: if you fail to take your chances, you may have to fight desperately to recover moments later.

Inter's comeback was also worth noting. They reduced the deficit to 2-1 and kept the suspense until the final whistle. This resilience forced Mourinho to put aside any sense of complacency, as he could not relax until the very end. That is also the charm of the Champions League.

When talking about Mbappe, Mourinho's tone clearly showed his support for the player. There has been no shortage of criticism of the French forward, but the coach defended him: he worked very hard, scored a crucial goal, and could have continued scoring.

The message behind these words was clear—the coaching staff recognized Mbappe's performance. Mourinho even suggested that Mbappe would eventually become the Champions League's top scorer. It sounds like a bold statement, but considering Mbappe's speed and finishing ability, it is not completely without basis.

As for Vinicius, Mourinho's evaluation was equally thoughtful. He knows Vinicius has not yet reached his best form, but he values the player's fighting spirit more. "He works very hard, I know it, we all know it, and he knows it himself." This mutual trust is often more important than temporary statistics.

When asked why Florentino brought him back to Real Madrid, Mourinho's answer was brief and almost commanding: because the situation was extremely difficult. When difficulties reach their peak, that is when Mourinho steps forward. This is almost his professional trademark.

Looking back at the 2-1 victory, Real Madrid won because they were better at taking their key chances. Inter did not lose because of a lack of ability, but because they reacted slightly slower when facing high-pressure counterattacks. The Champions League has never been an easy occasion, and an opening-round victory is significant for Real Madrid's confidence throughout the season.

The exaggerated 7-6 comparison was actually Mourinho's best summary of the intensity of this match. A contest like this is worth remembering for all fans. In the next Champions League round, will Real Madrid continue to maintain this hunger? We will wait and see.