Substitute Romelu Lukaku is finally the great hero at Inter with a decisive goal against Porto

“Romelu has to carry 103 kilograms. To do that, you have to be physically fit. For now he is not yet 100% in that area, but he is growing towards his best form and we are sure that we will see great things from him this season”, said Inter CEO Guiseppe Marotta just before the Champions League- game against Porto. That’s why Romelu Lukaku didn’t start in the base.

Our compatriot nevertheless scored his first goal since mid-August last weekend with his second attempt from the penalty spot, but coach Inzaghi clearly wants to be careful with our compatriot who has just returned after a long injury. Edin Dzeko was linked to Lautaro Martinez in the front. With them in the starting line-up, it was Inter who came out on top.

The home team claimed the ball and after more than ten minutes Lautaro already had a huge chance. After a perfect cross from Dimarco, the detached Lautaro was able to head towards goal. However, his attempt passed incomprehensibly. Calhanoglu also had a good chance, but it was Bastoni who had the 1-0 up for grabs a few seconds before the break. Only his attempt collided with a phenomenal reflex from Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Red for Otavio

On the other side, Inter goalkeeper Onana also showed that he has great reflexes. Just before the hour mark, he made three great saves in quick succession.

Just before the hour, Inzaghi brought in Lukaku for Dzeko. “Substitutes are just as important as starters. Nowadays, a match lasts 100 minutes, so they have time to make the difference in the final,” said Inter-CEO Marotta. And he was right.

Lukaku was right in the game from the moment he came on. He controlled a long ball well with his chest, after which he laid the leather ready for Barella. However, the Italian’s visor was not sharp. Moments later, Lukaku was again the principal after a good attack from the home team. With a good through ball, he found egg right after striker buddy Lautaro, but he was a toe short.

With ten minutes to go, Otavio was shown his second yellow card. The signal for Big Rom to shift up a gear. This time not as a declarant, but as a finisher. First he headed a perfect cross against the post, but in the rebound he hit the net. 1-0 for Inter. A few minutes later he was still close to 2-0, but the ball just didn’t go in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5Cdonnokqw

It has been since the 2010-2011 season that Inter could once again make it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Thanks to Lukaku, they are well on their way to repeating that trick again after twelve years. And that against a Porto in form.