Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has praised Federico Valverde and Trent Alexander-Arnold for their performances in Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Mourinho was particularly pleased with how the two players adapted to the demands of the midfield, an area where Real Madrid faced selection problems ahead of the opening Champions League fixture.
“Trent did very well. Both he and Valverde worked well,” Mourinho said after the match. He acknowledged that Alexander-Arnold had some turnovers but described them as understandable given the difficulty of playing in an unfamiliar midfield position.
Valverde also earned special recognition from the Portuguese manager for his tactical understanding. Mourinho said the Uruguay international “interpreted the structure well,” while his second-half goal proved decisive in securing all three points for Madrid.
The victory was significant for Mourinho, who was facing one of his former clubs in his first Champions League match since returning to the Real Madrid dugout. Inter, whom he famously guided to a historic treble in 2010, created numerous chances but ultimately left Madrid without a point.
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the first half before Valverde doubled Madrid’s advantage. Inter pulled one back through Carlos Augusto, setting up a tense final period, but Thibaut Courtois made crucial saves to preserve the victory.
Mourinho also defended Vinícius Júnior after the Brazilian was booed by sections of the Bernabéu crowd. He said the forward was not currently at his best but praised his work rate and commitment to the team.
The result gives Real Madrid three important points at the start of their Champions League campaign. For Mourinho, it also provides an early indication that his tactical approach can deliver results against elite European opposition.
Real Madrid will now turn their attention back to LaLiga before continuing their European campaign, with Mourinho expected to further refine his squad and tactical system.
