Real Madrid’s Dumfries opens up on facing former club Inter Milan: ‘A very special match’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid and Inter Milan produced a thrilling and dramatic contest at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night, with the hosts eventually securing a 2-1 victory in their opening UEFA Champions League league-phase fixture.

First half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde proved to be enough for Los Blancos, although Inter put up an excellent fight and will feel unlucky to have returned with nothing to show for their efforts.

As for Real Madrid, they had enough chances to win by a more comfortable margin, but found themselves under pressure during the final stages, especially after spurning several goalscoring opportunities, while Inter pulled a goal back.

A special night for Dumfries

That assessment was shared by Jose Mourinho after the match, while summer signing Denzel Dumfries also acknowledged the difficulties Real Madrid faced against his former club.

Dumfries came up against his former Inter teammates. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

For Dumfries, the evening was particularly meaningful because of his five years with the Nerazzurri before he joined the Merengues this past summer.

“It was a very special match for me. I met up with all my friends again, the people I played with for five years. I love them all very much, but in the end I’m happy that we won,” he said, as quoted by Defensa Central.

The Dutchman also recognised the quality of the opposition.

“I’d say very well. I know Inter’s qualities. They have very strong players, but so do we. It was an incredible game. I think we deserved it, but Inter are undoubtedly a very strong team,” he added.

Dumfries’ comments underlined the challenge Mourinho’s side faced, particularly with Madrid missing several important midfielders.

Dumfries has started off well at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Settling in well

Dumfries joined Real Madrid as a replacement for former captain Dani Carvajal, who left the club as a free agent at the end of the last season.

The 30-year-old right-back was signed for a fee of €20 million at the request of Mourinho and has, so far, settled in nicely at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Netherlands international has started four of Real Madrid’s five matches so far in the 2026/27 season, suggesting that he might be ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order under Mourinho.