Inter Milan beat Benfica and got their Champions League campaign back on track with a 1-0 victory at the Meazza. Both the teams had a slow start and the first half was balanced, but Inter came into the second half with the right mindset and showed intent from the get-go. They could have scored more goals in the second half but were not clinical enough. Especially the Nerazzurri captain, Lautaro Martinez hit the crossbar and the post twice. Also, Trubin pulled off great saves to keep the score line to 1-0.
The Nerazzurri were conservative in the first half, with their low backline. The idea was to hit Benfica on the counter, and they had a couple of chances but nothing substantial. Dumfries was creeping up to the box and had chances with his header, but could not control it. However, the best chance of the half came to Benfica as Inter had a lapse in concentration following a throw-in. Aurnes was then one-on-one with Sommer, but the Swiss keeper managed to keep his shot away.
Inter beat Benfica 1-0 as Thuram gets on the scoresheet
The Nerazzurri had a much better approach in the second half. Inzaghi could have started the game slowly to increase the intensity in the second half as Inter created chance after chance. Dumfries and Lautaro had plenty of chances to open the scoring, but they either hit the post or Trubin managed to save it. Thuram and Lautaro were clicking in the final third, but they could not find the back of the net.
Finally, the Nerazzurri found their goal from a beautiful pass by Barella from the deep. The Italian midfielder controlled the game as most of the chances flowed through him. Barella found Dumfries’ run outside with his through ball. The Dutch defender did manage to fire the ball in the box for Thuram to finish. The Nerazzurri had chances after the goal as well, but could not extend their lead. But Inzaghi will be delighted with the three points against Benfica.
