Real Madrid beat Inter as Mourinho backs key players
Bellingham’s display against Inter highlighted his all-round value, with key defensive work, ball retention and leadership despite no goal or assist.
Tchouaméni returned against Inter after injury and, despite midfield competition, remains key to Mourinho, who sees him as Madrid’s main defensive, positional presence.
Ibrahima Konaté’s display against Inter reinforced his strong start at Madrid, with the defender quickly forming a solid partnership with Dean Huijsen.
Bellingham posted ‘sorry mate’ to Brahim Díaz after spurning a guilt-edged chance from the winger’s brilliant chip in Madrid’s Champions League win over Inter.
AC Milan are tracking Endrick for January and could seek a loan with an option to buy if his minutes stay limited. Mourinho blocked the striker’s exit in the summer.
Rumours link Madrid with Martín Zubimendi and Alexis Mac Allister, including a possible Camavinga swap, while Arsenal may test Madrid’s buy-back clause on Nico Paz.
Mourinho thanked Trent Alexander-Arnold after Madrid’s 2-1 win over Inter, praising his effort in an unfamiliar midfield role with Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Güler suspended.
Dean Huijsen’s commanding display against Inter, including 12 clearances, underlined his sharp improvement and growing partnership with Ibrahima Konaté.
Real Madrid are set to open talks over a new Courtois contract after his Inter heroics, with the club aiming to extend the goalkeeper’s stay beyond his current deal.
Real Madrid have no suspensions for Rayo. Rodrygo and Mendy are out, Militão is close, Asencio is a major doubt, and Lunin should return after illness.
Madrid’s 2-1 win over Inter showcased Mourinho’s counter-pressing and counter-attacking plan, with both goals stemming from high regains despite shaky defending.
Ferran Torres named Real Madrid among the Champions League favourites alongside Barcelona, Bayern Munich and PSG after his hat-trick for Paris Saint-Germain.
Brahim Díaz impressed in Madrid’s 2-1 win over Inter, mixing dribbling with sharper one-touch passing and creating several chances, including one for Mbappé.
Joan Laporta declined to escalate Madrid’s refereeing row after the Betis defeat, saying others can act as they wish so long as respect and institutional harmony remain.
Dumfries called Madrid’s 2-1 win over former club Inter ‘a very special match’, saying Madrid deserved it despite late pressure from a ‘very strong team’.
After Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Inter, Courtois defended fans’ boos, saying: ‘They are entirely within their rights’ after two years without a major trophy.
Yan Diomande and Brahim Díaz gave up their day off after Madrid’s 2-1 win over Inter, training individually at Valdebebas as they battle for the right-wing spot.
Kylian Mbappé won Real Madrid’s August player award after four goals in three games, then said the squad’s positive start can lead to ‘a lot of success’ this season.
Mourinho defended Vinícius Jr after whistles in Madrid’s 2-1 win over Inter, saying the forward is ‘not Vini yet’ but works hard and ‘deserves respect’.
Arda Güler has agreed a new Real Madrid deal until 2032, Fabrizio Romano reports, with all terms accepted as the club move to secure the 21-year-old’s long-term future.
Jenni Hermoso’s brother claimed Vinícius Jr was told he would win the 2024 Ballon d’Or before Rodri was named instead, though the claims remain unverified.
Brazil have called up Real Madrid pair Vinícius Jr and Endrick for this month’s friendlies, as Ancelotti begins shaping the Seleção’s 2030 World Cup cycle.
Deco said Bernardo Silva wanted Barcelona, but money, playing time and differing views saw the move collapse before the midfielder joined Real Madrid instead.
