Inter Milan beat FC Porto in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 and put them in a good position for the second leg.
Coach Simone Inzaghi’s team won the heated home game on Wednesday (02/22/23) 1-0 (0-0). Romelu Lukaku scored the winning goal for the Italians from close range in the 86th minute. The second leg will take place on March 14 at the Estádio do Dragão.
Both teams were in the game immediately after kick-off. Especially at Inter, the goal chances were created after Federico Dimarco had pulled in the first minute in the penalty area. Lautaro Martinez (13′), Hakan Calhanoglu (18′) and Alessandro Bastoni (45’+3′) then missed their chances.
Onana captures Inter’s victory
Marko Grujic missed a promising opportunity for FC Porto (37th), he couldn’t get past Inter goalkeeper André Onana. After the break, despite several re-shots, the Portuguese were again denied by goalkeeper Onana, who made two saves against Mehdem Teremi (57′) after Zaidu Sanusi’s ball had been blocked.
In the 78th minute, midfielder Otavio was sent off with a yellow card and will miss FC Porto in the second leg. Finally, Inter striker Lukaku scored the winning goal with a header that hit the post and followed up with a follow-up shot.