Lisbon –
Inter Milan was able to win 2-0 at home to Benfica. Two Nerazzurri goals came through Nicolo Barella and Romelu Lukaku’s penalty.
Benfica vs Inter was presented at the Estadio da Luz in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, Wednesday (12/4/2023) early morning WIB. Both teams struggled to create dangerous chances in the first half.
Only one shot on goal was recorded in the first half of the match. This was made by Benfica through Rafa Silva, who Andre Onana was able to contain.
The 0-0 score lasted until halftime.
Five minutes after the break, Inter were able to open the scoring through Nicolo Barella. In the 71st minute, the visitors were able to double their advantage from Romelu Lukaku’s penalty. The referee pointed to the spot after Joao Mario handball.
Inter could end the match with a 2-0 victory. This result eased The Snake’s steps in the second leg.
In the second leg, Inter will act as hosts on April 20. They only need not lose by more than two goals to advance to the semifinals.
[Gambas:Opta]
Course of the Match
Both teams appear equally open. Inter had a chance at the start of the match. Edin Dzeko can gore a cross from the left side. His header but still bounce.
Federico Dimarco’s mistake in sweeping the ball almost cost him in the 15th minute. His efforts to block the cross ball actually led to Rafa Silva.
Rafa immediately kicked hard. Inter survived conceding after Andre Onana was still alert to block Rafa’s shot.
Moments later, Joao Mario had space on the right side of the penalty box. He fired a volley. These efforts have not met the target.
Francesco Acerbi tried to threaten Benfica’s goal through a long-range attempt in the 24th minute. However, his efforts still bounced from the host’s goal.
Entering the middle of the first half, Benfica was more dominant in launching attacks. Inter appeared solid to dampen the host’s attacks.
No goals were created until halftime. Score 0-0 ended the first half.
After the break, Inter Milan immediately pressed. As a result, they were able to score a goal when the second half had only been running for five minutes.
Gol!!! Alessandro Bastoni who advanced helped the attack to release a measured cross from the left side. The ball can be Nicolo Barella’s horn to trick Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Benfica tries to respond after being left behind. There was chaos in front of goal which was almost struck by Goncalo Ramos into a goal. However, Inter’s back line was still able to clear the ball.
In the 73rd minute, Inter had a golden opportunity through a quick counter attack. However, Barella’s shot went wide.
Through an almost similar scheme of their goals, Inter pressed the host’s defense. This time Bastoni’s cross found Denzel Dumfries’ head.
Vlachodimos brilliantly saved the ball. The gag ball that Dumfries hit again could be blocked by Morato.
The referee pointed to the spot after reviewing the VAR. This happened after Dumfries’ cross hit Joao Mario’s hand.
Gol!!! Romelu Lukaku, who stepped forward as executor, carried out his duties well. His horizontal shot into the left corner of the goal could not be reached by Vlachodimos.
Benfica appeared to attack chasing goals in the remaining matches. However, their efforts were fruitless for 90 minutes.
Inter closed the match with a 2-0 win.
Player Lineup:
Benfica: Vlachodimos; Gilberto, Silva, Morato, Grimaldo; Florentino (David Neres 64′), Chiquinho; Mario, Silva, Aursnes; branches
Inter Milan: Onana; Dumfries (D`Ambrosio 87′), Acerbi, Bastoni (De Vrij 90′); Darmian, Barella, Brozovic, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco (Gosens 63′); Martinez (Correa 63′), Dzeko (Lukaku 63′)
Watch Video “Lukaku’s only goal brings Inter Milan to beat Porto“
(pur/pur)
