Inter Milan has landed the hoped-for victory in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League.
The Nerrazurri defeated FC Porto 1-0 (0-0) at their home Giuseppe Meazza Stadium thanks to a late goal by striker Romelu Lukaku and can dream of reaching the last eight.
Lukaku, who, like Robin Gosens, only came on after 58 minutes, scored shortly before the end (86th) and thus rewarded Inter’s final offensive against ten Portuguese. Otavio (78th) saw the yellow-red card.
As a result, the Serie A runners-up will head into the second leg on March 14 in Portugal with a lead.
duel at eye level
Gosens sat on the bench for almost 60 minutes before the 14-time national player ran on the left flank. With him, Inter increased the pressure and finally got through against Porto’s defense around defender Pepe.
Both teams fought a hard-fought and very balanced match from the start, in which Porto did not hide.
Head coach Sergio Conceicao’s team, who have not lost in their last ten competitive games, repeatedly put pinpricks and forced Milan keeper Andre Onana to make a few saves. On the other hand, ex-Bundesliga professional Hakan Calhanoglu skilfully led Inter’s offensive game.