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<\/p>\nReal Madrid were facing anything but an ordinary Champions League night. A mounting injury and suspension crisis, a familiar opponent for Jose Mourinho, and a match that quickly descended into complete chaos at the Santiago Bernabeu. Yet amid all the madness, the Portuguese coach delivered a message that felt like much more than a reaction to a victory \u2014 it sounded like a summary of exactly how he approaches the toughest challenges.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
After the thrilling win over Inter, Mourinho did not simply focus on the three points. Instead, he revealed why returning to Real Madrid at this particular moment appealed to him. While much of the attention centred on the missed chances and the end-to-end nature of the game, Mourinho produced one line that said it all\u2026 and perhaps explained why he believes he is the right man for the job.<\/p>\n
Real Madrid opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter despite a depleted squad caused by injuries and suspensions. Los Blancos ruthlessly punished two costly defensive errors from the visitors, with Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde scoring inside the opening 25 minutes.<\/p>\n
But the game was far from comfortable. Mourinho described the contest as “crazy”, explaining that it could have ended with almost any scoreline, including 5-0 to Real Madrid, 5-5 or even 7-6, such was the number of chances created at both ends.<\/p>\n
The Portuguese coach added that Madrid could have put the game to bed before half-time, particularly after having a chance to make it 3-0, while Jude Bellingham also had an opportunity. Inter, meanwhile, could have scored several more goals themselves.<\/p>\n
Mourinho also came to Kylian Mbappe’s defence after the forward was subjected to scattered boos from sections of the Real Madrid crowd. The coach stressed that Mbappe worked extremely hard, scored an important goal and had two or three other chances that he would normally convert.<\/p>\n
Far from being concerned about the Frenchman’s goalscoring, Mourinho went even further, predicting that Mbappe will once again finish as the Champions League’s top scorer this season. He also praised the forward’s work rate and commitment to the team.<\/p>\n
After the final whistle, Mourinho was asked why Florentino Perez moved so quickly to bring him back to Real Madrid, particularly at a time when the club was facing significant challenges.<\/p>\n
His answer was vintage Mourinho \u2014 and quickly became the headline quote of the night: “Because the situation was tough. If it’s easy, it’s not for me. If it’s difficult, you call Jose.”<\/strong> \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n The message was clear. Mourinho believes difficult situations are precisely where he belongs, and his return to Real Madrid was built around embracing a challenge rather than avoiding it.<\/p>\n The match also carried an emotional subplot for Mourinho as he reunited with Cristian Chivu, his former Inter defender and a key member of the side that won the historic treble in 2010. Mourinho revealed that the bond between them remains strong, even though everything is temporarily forgotten during the 90 minutes of competition.<\/p>\n Now Mourinho must navigate a demanding schedule, with Rayo Vallecano, Elche and Atletico Madrid among Real Madrid’s upcoming domestic opponents before a meeting with Villarreal and an emotional trip to Rome in October to face his former club.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Real Madrid were facing anything but an ordinary Champions League night. A mounting injury and suspension crisis, a familiar opponent for Jose Mourinho, and a match that quickly descended into complete chaos at the Santiago Bernabeu. 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