José Mourinho, the Portuguese coach, spoke out after leading Real Madrid to a narrow win over Inter Milan in the first match of the UEFA Champions League 2026-27 group stage.
On 9 Sep 2026, José Mourinho, the Portuguese manager, opened up after leading Real Madrid, the famed La Liga club, to a 2-1 home victory over Inter Milan, a top club from Serie A, at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in the opening group stage match of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League on the previous evening.
José Mourinho said, “This game could have ended with a higher score because both teams played very offensively and created many chances. But as a coach, I don’t like this kind of madness. I want my team to have complete control of the game. Facing Inter Milan, who play with great understanding and have a strong squad, was very challenging for us. Securing the first three points in this competition is very important.”
Additionally, the outspoken 63-year-old manager praised Thibaut Courtois, saying, “Whoever chose the Man of the Match award must have been asleep, because if this award isn’t given to Thibaut Courtois, who made many crucial saves to help the team, then I don’t think he’ll ever win it again.” (Federico Valverde actually received the Man of the Match award.)