Josep Martinez apologizes to Inter fans after Real Madrid howler
Quick summary
Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez has publicly apologized to supporters following a costly mistake in the Champions League match against Real Madrid.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceInter goalkeeper Josep Martinez took responsibility and apologised to fans for his howler in the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid. ‘We learn, try to improve, and look forward.’
The shot-stopper was caught trying to dribble out of his own six-yard box, allowing Federico Valverde to prod into an empty net and double the Spaniards’ lead at the Bernabeu last night.
It contributed to the overall 2-1 defeat , as the Carlos Augusto goal was too late to cancel out Valverde and Kylian Mbappé strikes.
Josep Martinez apologises to Inter RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Josep Martinez Rieira goalkeeper of FC Internazionale kicks the ball during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images) “There is no journey that doesn’t have slips and errors, in football just as in life,” wrote Josep Martinez on his Instagram account.
“Recovering from such a difficult moment as yesterday helps forge a strong personality that you need in order to defend these colours.
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“I take responsibility for my error on the second goal, we cannot concede two goals like that when facing an opponent like Real Madrid, who will not forgive you those mistakes.
“We are all disappointed, because I think the team overall put in a great performance and deserved to bring something positive back to Milan.
“We learn, we grow, we try to improve, and we look forward. But always together and united. Forza Inter.”
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid passes the ball under pressure from Yann Aurel Bisseck of Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Real Madrid 2-1 Inter
Josep Martinez had been the second choice last season behind Yann Sommer, but promoted to take the gloves following the Switzerland international’s departure.
Yesterday at the Bernabeu was only his third ever Champions League appearance, the second for the Nerazzurri, with the other coming against Feyenoord in March 2025.
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What happened
Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez has issued a public apology to the club's supporters after committing a notable error during the Champions League encounter with Real Madrid. The mistake contributed to a negative result for the Italian side, prompting the Spanish shot-stopper to address fans directly. Martinez's error puts his position as Inter's goalkeeper under further scrutiny, with questions likely to be raised about his reliability in high-stakes European fixtures.
Chance analysis
Goalkeeper errors in Champions League ties tend to linger in the narrative longer than mistakes in domestic matches, and Martinez's public apology suggests he is aware of the scrutiny that comes with playing between the posts for a club of Inter's stature. For Inter, the immediate concern is whether the error shakes the goalkeeper's confidence heading into a critical stretch of fixtures, or whether it prompts a change in selection. The way Martinez has chosen to face the issue head-on with fans could help repair some trust, but performances on the pitch will ultimately determine his standing.
Martinez's high-profile Champions League error raises questions over his starting position and could affect Inter's defensive confidence in upcoming fixtures.