Lautaro Martinez: 'Inter heads held high, Real Madrid also want Champions League success'
Quick summary
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez said his team leaves the Champions League tie with heads held high after facing Real Madrid, while acknowledging the Spanish club's own ambitions in the competition.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceLautaro Martinez insists Inter ‘leave with heads held high’ after a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid. ‘We played at the same level, both want to win the Champions League.’
It was a frustrating night at the Bernabeu, as the Nerazzurri dominated for long periods, but were made to pay for two embarrassing mistakes.
A misplaced Curtis Jones pass allowed Kylian Mbappé to go clear on goal, then Josep Martinez was caught in a howler trying to dribble Federico Valverde from six yards.
Carlos Augusto did pull one back late on by meeting the Lautaro Martinez assist, and there were so many chances at both ends, but it wasn’t enough to avoid the 2-1 defeat.
Lautaro Martinez proud of Inter performance MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Lautaro Martinez of Internazionale controls the ball under pressure from Ibrahima Konate of Real Madrid 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) “We keep repeating that this is a competition where the details are decisive, and you pay the price when you make mistakes,” Lautaro Martinez told Sky Sport Italia.
“We had started well, controlled possession, kept the ball, but two errors so early for the two goals, it becomes difficult then. Real Madrid are a team of a high level, but Inter came here today and played with character, determination, we showed what level we can play at.
“Real Madrid are going to challenge to win the Champions League, just like us, as it is our objective too. Every competition you begin with this jersey on your back, it has to be a target.”
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Lautaro Martinez of Internazionale clashes with Dean Huijsen of Real Madrid 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) The Argentina international was sporting a scratch on his face after a coming together with Dean Huijsen late on, which saw both players booked for the altercation.
“That’s the bitterness, that we allowed them only counter-attacks because they have two incredibly quick forwards, but we were unable to make the most of all the chances we created,” continued the Inter captain.
“I still say we leave here with heads held high, as we played at a high level against a great opponent. Courtois is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but we too need to improve in front of goal and could’ve done better.
“We must work on the details, because this is the first game, there’s a long road ahead of us, and we need to get the victory in the next match.”
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Lautaro Martinez of Internazionale looks on 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) The statistics at the final whistle told the story of Inter with 61 per cent possession, completing 596 passes to just 313 for the hosts, but those errors were too big to ignore.
“With Real Madrid playing four at the back, there wasn’t much space in the centre, so we should’ve pushed more down the wings. We made an adjustment on the movements at half-time, found a lot of spaces, including on the goal. We leave here with heads held high, knowing we played at the same level as a great Real Madrid team.”
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What happened
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez spoke to the media following the Champions League fixture against Real Madrid, expressing pride in his team's performance despite the result. The Argentine striker emphasized that Inter competed with dignity against one of Europe's most storied clubs, while also noting that Real Madrid — the reigning benchmark in the competition — are equally motivated to lift the trophy. His comments underline Inter's mentality in a campaign where they continue to measure themselves against the continent's elite, and provide a window into the dressing room's outlook after a high-profile European night.
Chance analysis
Lautaro Martinez's post-match remarks frame Inter Milan's Champions League campaign as a statement of competitive pride rather than disappointment. Coming from a captain and key striker, the tone matters: Inter see themselves as legitimate contenders on the European stage, and the willingness to publicly measure themselves against Real Madrid signals a squad still pushing forward in the competition. For a team balancing domestic and European ambitions, the mentality conveyed here is as relevant as any tactical takeaway from the night.
No direct impact on team availability or tactics; the comments reflect a confident Inter squad heading into subsequent fixtures.