Real Madrid vs. Inter Milan score: Rodrygo saves the day for Spanish side in Champions League thriller

The Spaniards register their first win of the 2020-21 edition as the Italians stare at Europa League berth

Real Madrid secured three important points with a dramatic 3-2 win over Inter Milan in Champions League Group B on Tuesday.

After both sides traded early chances and Nicolo Barella hit the crossbar for the Italians, the hosts took the lead through Karim Benzema.

The France international was gifted the ball by former Real man Achraf Hakimi and took it around Samir Handanovic before scoring.

Real's lead was doubled less than 10 minutes later as Sergio Ramos connected with Toni Kroos' corner to powerfully head home at Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium.

At that point, the Spaniards looked to be in total control and on their way to a comfortable win, but Inter had other ideas.

The visitors responded almost immediately through Lautaro Martinez after a delightful backheel from Barella in the build-up created the opportunity.

Midway through the second half, the comeback was complete for Antonio Conte's men as Martinez turned provider for Ivan Perisic to level things up.

Inter almost took the lead for the first time when Martinez went close from distance, but it was the closest they would come.

Having been sent on minutes before the Serie A outfit equalised, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo combined to put Real back in front and this time the lead stuck.

The La Liga giants are finally up and running in this season's edition in an open looking Group B after Borussia Monchengladbach smashed Shakhtar Donetsk 6-0 in Ukraine to go top.

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[Nov 3, 2020 at 4:51 pm ET · Jonathan Johnson]

All over in Madrid as Real survive a scare to put three points on the board. Benzema, Ramos and Rodrygo with the goals for the hosts, Martinez & Perisic for the visitors as their comeback was thwarted. Real into second spot in Group B as Inter drop to bottom on two points. Three points now a must for Conte's men in Milan next time out.

[Nov 3, 2020 at 4:38 pm ET · Jonathan Johnson]

What a moment for Rodrygo as the Brazilian substitutes combine to give Real the lead. Huge goal! Can Inter pick themselves up again after this, or have Zidane's men done enough this time? Group B is the place to be this evening!

[Nov 3, 2020 at 4:31 pm ET · Jonathan Johnson]

Lautaro just over from distance! Real are rocking after that Inter equaliser.