Inter Milan have put themselves in a good position to advance in the Champions League. A late goal was enough to win against Atlético.
After a 1-0 (0-0) win over Atlético Madrid, Italy’s top team Inter Milan has the best chance of reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Former Bremer Marko Arnautović scored the goal of the day shortly before the end (79th minute). Inter struggled for a long time in the first leg of the round of 16, but ultimately deserved to win.
In the second leg on March 13th, a draw is enough for the Serie A leaders to advance. Last year, Inter reached the final of the premier class, but had to admit defeat to English champions Manchester City.
That’s how the game went
Inter dominated the game, Atlético defended with concentration and uncompromising as usual. Chances to score were rare. It took until the 36th minute before Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak had to intervene for the first time with a header from Lautaro Martínez. Just two minutes later, the Argentine world champion missed the game’s first top-class chance after a clever pass from ex-Gladbach player Marcus Thuram.
After the break, Inter increased the pressure, but Atlético continued to withstand it. Substitute Arnautović had the lead for the Nerazzurri, but after a one-two with Martínez he put the ball over the crossbar (64′). Then the Austrian dusted himself off after Oblak blocked a shot from Martínez right at his feet.
Inter lead the Serie A table by nine points and are eyeing the 20th Scudetto. The leader has been undefeated since the end of September. Milan also survived the preliminary round of the Champions League without defeat, but had to settle for second place behind the surprise team Real Sociedad San Sebastián. Atlético, on the other hand, is fourth in the Spanish championship and is already eleven points behind local rivals Real.