Kylian Mbappé struck his fifth goal of the season to set Real Madrid on course for a nervy 2-1 win over Inter Milan in their Champions League opener.

The France forward moved level with Madrid great Raul on 71 goals as the competition's fifth-highest all-time scorer with a 14th-minute opener at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Federico Valverde doubled the advantage before the hosts held on to give manager Jose Mourinho victory against one of his former clubs after Inter substitute Carlos Augusto halved the deficit late on.

Madrid's winning start to Mourinho's second spell in charge was halted by Friday's 1-0 LaLiga defeat at Real Betis.

The Portuguese coach, who guided Inter to Champions League glory in 2010, made two changes to his starting XI, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Brahim Díaz replacing suspended duo Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Güler.

Inter began brightly and forced Thibaut Courtois into saves from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez before the hosts snatched the lead against the run of play.

Mbappé, who missed a penalty against Betis, was played through by Diaz after a mistake by Inter defender Yann Aurel Bisseck and finished first time beyond Josep Martínez.

The Italian champions continued to dominate possession, but fell further behind in the 23rd minute following another costly error.

Getty Images

---

After receiving a pass from Benjamin Pavard, Spanish goalkeeper Martinez hesitated inside his six-yard box and was dispossessed by Madrid captain Valverde, who diverted the ball into the net.

Visiting head coach Cristian Chivu was part of Mourinho's Inter team which defeated Bayern Munich 2-0 in the final at this ground 16 years ago.

His side almost halved the deficit nine minutes shy of halftime when Curtis Jones, one of five players recalled following Saturday's 3-2 Serie A win over Napoli, struck the crossbar.

Inter keeper Martinez partially atoned for his earlier error in first-half added time with a fine double save from Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, before Diaz turned the rebound on to the outside of the right post.

Mbappé was denied again at start of second half, while Courtois kept out former Liverpool midfielder Jones.

Inter had introduced ex-Manchester City man John Stones at the break, but both defences continued to creak with chances at either end in an open encounter.

Bellingham wasted a golden opportunity for Madrid before Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni forced a save from Courtois and visiting keeper Martinez further redeemed himself by thwarting Mbappé.

Brazilian Augusto set up a grandstand finish by converting 13 minutes from time after Lautaro Martinez pulled the ball back from the right.

Madrid were far from comfortable in the closing stages but clung on to begin their quest for a 16th European title with victory.