Check out all the picks from our experts as the Champions League league phase kicks off

Kylian Mbappé pushed back against criticism of his defensive work before Real Madrid’s Champions League opener against Inter Milan. The Real Madrid forward accepted that he and the team must improve without the ball,

Los Blancos are without multiple midfielders due to suspension and injury for their Champions League opener.

When Jose Mourinho left Inter Milan for Real Madrid in the summer of 2010, after leading the Italian outfit to Champions League glory, he was at the peak of

Kylian Mbappé launched a passionate defence of his playing style, denying that his work-rate off the ball -- alongside teammate Vinícius Júnior -- is an issue for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid surrendered their unbeaten start to the season, falling to a dramatic 1–0 defeat against Real Betis at La Cartuja on Friday night. After a high-temperature warning in Seville earlier in the day, José Mourinho’s men came in hot and did everything but stick the ball in the net in the opening 45 minutes.

By Ruairidh Barlow MADRID, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho said he was not feeling any added pressure to win the Champions League in his second spell at the club ahead of their opener against Serie A champions Inter Milan on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Troy Parrott scored the game's only goal nine minutes from time, with Kylian Mbappe seeing a late penalty saved.

Everything looked set for Real Madrid to earn a point against Real Betis, but French star Kylian Mbappe couldn't convert from the spot.

With his assist against Valencia, Anthony Gordon has joined Lionel Messi and two Real Madrid icons in an assist record in La Liga. Anthony Gordon integrated seamlessly at FC Barcelona, locking down the left wing with explosive performances that have already seen him rewrite club record books.

Viktor Gyökeres, Julián Alvarez, Fermín López and Anthony Martial all feature in the gossip.