Inter won the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Atletico Madrid thanks to Arnautovic’s goal in the 79th minute. The Nerazzurri dominated the match and took home a precious result ahead of the return match in Madrid.
The match began at a high tempo and Inter were immediately dangerous through Thuram, who forced Oblak into a great save in the 7th minute. Atletico responded with a Griezmann free-kick that grazed the post.
The first half was well-balanced, but the hosts had the best chances: on 25 minutes Martinez hit the post with a shot from outside the box, the Nerazzurri striker sent the ball just wide, on 32 minutes Thuram was injured on a counter-attack but remained on the pitch with a limp, and on 40 minutes Barella again forced Oblak to make a right-footed effort.
The second half dominated by Inter
The second half, Inter increased the pressure and Atletico closed in defensively. In the 52nd minute, Arnautovic, who had come on for Thuram, wasted a sensational chance when he headed wide from a few yards out.
In the 65th minute he again failed to score, kicking high from a good position. Atletico only showed up with a few counter-attacks, but they did not trouble Sommer. In the 79th minute, Inter’s deserved goal finally arrived: Arnautovic redeemed himself and scored on Oblak’s rebound after a shot from Lautaro. Atletico tried to react, but Inter controlled the result and celebrated their victory.
The Nerazzurri thus take the lead in the double-header against Atletico Madrid, who will have to overturn the result in the return leg. With this victory, Inter show that they are in great shape and can compete with the best teams in Europe, while Atletico will have to reflect and, above all, change gear in the return leg on 16 March if they want to continue their European dream.
Ciao Andy!
It was a magical but sad evening for the Nerazzurri as they bid farewell in the best possible way to a champion like Andy Brehme, who passed away prematurely at only 63 years of age. World champion in 1990, Brehme was one of the architects of the great Inter team of the record scudetto with Giovanni Trapattoni as coach.
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