Kylian Mbappé needed just 14 minutes to get Real Madrid on the scoreboard against Inter Milan, opening their 2026/27 Champions League campaign with an early strike that also carved out a piece of competition history.

The goal pushed Mbappé’s Champions League tally to 71, drawing him level with Real Madrid icon Raúl on the club’s all-time list for the tournament.

It’s a milestone that places the French forward alongside one of the sport’s most decorated goalscorers, further cementing his growing legacy in Europe’s top club competition.

Mbappé enters this campaign fresh off a standout individual season, having topped the Champions League scoring charts in 2025/26 with 15 goals across just 11 appearances.

Despite that output, Real Madrid’s season ended without silverware, leaving questions about the squad’s ability to convert individual brilliance into collective success.

Ahead of Tuesday’s clash, Mbappé faced scrutiny during Monday’s pregame press conference over his defensive contributions, with critics questioning whether his work rate off the ball matches his attacking threat.

His response came almost immediately on the pitch, netting early to reinforce his value to the team when it mattered most.

With Real Madrid now level with Inter and Mbappé already off the mark, the early goal sets a strong tone for a side looking to go further than last season and finally translate star power into a trophy.