The Spaniards defeated Benfica Lisbon, who still had no points, 3-1 and, like Inter, have ten points. Salzburg still holds on to three points and could have a “final” for a move to the Europa League on the last matchday against Benfica with former Salzburg coach Roger Schmidt. Before that, the “Bulls” go to San Sebastian.
The 30,071 spectators in the sold-out arena in Wals-Siezenheim saw a game with few highlights, in which the Milanese had better opportunities but did not take advantage. As in the 1:2 in the first duel, Salzburg presented itself as well organized, but ultimately too harmless to score.
Reuters/Leonhard Foeger Martinez came, saw and scored to win and promote Inter
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi finally took over for the win: Nicolo Barella’s shot went to Mads Bistrup’s outstretched arm, and Martinez then safely converted to another narrow Inter victory.
From Arnautovic to “MacGyver”
Before the “Bulls”’s 30th game in the premier class, the possible comeback of ÖFB record player Marko Arnautovic at Inter was on many lips. Austria’s exceptional player has been missing for the past six weeks due to a muscle injury and returned to Inter’s matchday squad for the first time for the away game in Salzburg. The striker showed up for the first time 75 minutes before the start of the game, took a few selfies with fans and took a seat on the bench at kick-off.
GEPA/Gintare Karpaviciute Arnautovic returned to the Inter squad after a six-week break, but did not play
Gerhard Struber brought another star into play the day before. Last year’s finalists Inter Milan are working in “MacGyver” mode, “they can do a lot with very little,” explained the Salzburg coach on Tuesday before the duel. The creative comparison can also be applied to Salzburg in a certain way: Because like the TV hero of the 1980s and 1990s, the “Bulls” also had to come up with something to bend the Serie A table leaders.
Changes on both sides
Compared to the 1:2 in the legendary Stadio San Siro in the Italian fashion city, Struber had to give way to Maurits Kjaergaard after his shoulder operation. In his place, Karim Konate, who was again in a scoring mood, made his starting eleven comeback in the premier class. While Oumar Solet was injured and had to make way for Samson Baidoo, Nicolas Capaldo was given preference over Lucas Gourna-Douath, who was not always fit.
Salzburg Group D
Inter coach Inzaghi was also forced to make changes compared to the first duel in Italy. The entire right side with Benjamin Pavard and Denzel Dumfries had to be replaced due to injuries, Inzaghi voluntarily waived the Argentine world champion, captain and goal machine Martinez for the time being, and the 1-0 goalscorer in Milan, veteran Alexis Sanchez, stormed with Marcus Thuram.
A few highlights before the break
Inter visited Salzburg for a test match in the summer, it was raining cats and dogs during the goal spectacle (3:4). Not only was the weather dry on this cold November evening, but so was the game in the first half. As in Milan, Salzburg played with two stabilizers in midfield, this time Capaldo took on this role alongside Bistrup. The hosts hardly gave themselves a chance out of the game, they had a lot of the ball, especially in the early stages, but they also had their teeth cut on the solid Inter defense.
ORF/Bernhard Kastler 30,071 viewers saw a game with few highlights before the break
After 13 minutes, Bidstrup fired the first notable shot, but the ball went clearly over the goal. When Salzburg pressed, won the ball and created space in the final third, the wrong decisions were made. There was also little result from set pieces; Inter goalie Yann Sommer parried a free kick from the first leg equalizer Oscar Gloukh. Konate’s attempt from over 40 meters in Soriano style went clearly over the box.
Previously, Salzburg waited once again this season for a penalty whistle that didn’t come: Carlos Augusto tore down Simic in the penalty area, but the Dutch referee Serdar Gözübüyük didn’t whistle (23′). The VAR didn’t turn on either.
Lack of Milanese efficiency
After a half-hour assessment phase, in which Inzaghi was able to thank the Inter fans who had traveled with him for the chants dedicated to him, Inter also increasingly oriented themselves forward. Bisseck fired the first shot at the Salzburg goal (33′), substitute captain Alessandro Bastoni missed the lead with a free header after a free kick cross (35′). Davide Frattesi failed shortly before the break after an attack from the left side. Thuram’s cross was ideally placed by Sanchez, but Frattesi shot over it (42′).
AP/Petr David Josek Frattesi shot the ball clearly over from a promising position
Salzburg veteran Andreas Ulmer, who was hit by a Bisseck foul, couldn’t continue after the break. In the absence of fit full-backs, Amar Dedic moved from right to left and Capaldo moved out to the side. The first more dangerous action after the break was a deflected shot from Luka Sucic that went next to the goal (47′). Calhanoglu tested Schlager with a direct free kick (52′), before two minutes later Gloukh shot the ball over after a promising attack.
In a second half that had more speed towards the final third, Konate missed from a lateral position (58th). Overall, Salzburg lacked penetration at the front and the ultimate consistency to score a goal. Dedic also failed (67th).
Hand penalty seals Salzburg’s exit
After around 70 minutes, Inzaghi brought on his ace striker Martinez, as well as midfield star Barella – the two most expensive players in the squad. The Milanese subsequently also had better opportunities. Thuram headed a ball just past the second post (73′), “Joker” Kristjan Asllani tested Schlager (76′).
debate
What is possible for the ÖFB clubs in the group phase?
Inter increased the pressure every minute and ultimately forced the decision: Thuram fell in a duel in the penalty area, which referee Gözübüyük let go.
After a header from Martinez, which goalie Schlager turned against the crossbar (82′), the time had come two minutes later: Barella’s shot landed on Bidstrup’s arm, and the Dutch referee had no choice but to award a penalty. Martinez safely converted it into the corner (85th). There was too little time and energy to equalize, and Martinez missed an even bigger victory.
Voices about the game:
Gerhard Struber (Salzburg coach): “The moment is bitter because we are analyzing a defeat. The boys did very well, invested a lot, actually allowed very little, and all that against a top five team in the world. We have seen that this team from Italy has incredible maturity. It feels really painful at the moment because we were so close, but it’s a learning for all of us. When you see the boys in the dressing room disappointed, it’s not nice. The reality is that we didn’t get the penalty, I think there was contact, but in the Champions League we’re lacking a bit of luck.”
Simone Inzaghi (Inter coach): “I am satisfied with my team’s performance. We knew it would be a very difficult and open game. As expected, Salzburg made things very difficult for us. They are one of the strongest teams, and they proved that again today. With the substitution of Martinez we have become stronger. Salzburg has an advantage in the fight for third place due to the direct duel. We are fighting for first place with San Sebastian and will do everything we can to achieve it.”
Champions League, Group D, fourth matchday
Wednesday:
Salzburg – Inter Milan 0:1 (0:0)
Wals-Siezenheim, Salzburg Stadium, 30,071 (sold out), SR Gözübüyük (NED)
Goal: Martinez (85th/hand penalty)
Salzburg: Schlager – Dedic, Baidoo, Pavlovic, Ulmer (46th/Gourna-Douath) – Bidstrup, Capaldo – Sucic, Gloukh (87th/Forson) – Konate (87th/Nene), Simic (79th/Ratkov)
Inter: Sommer – Bisseck (46./De Vrij), Acerbi, Bastoni – Darmian, Frattesi, Calhanoglu (61./Asllani), Mkhitaryan (68./Barella), Augusto (86./Dimarco) – Sanchez (68. Lautaro Martinez) , Thuram
Yellow cards: Pavlovic, Gloukh or Bisseck, Calhanoglu
2023-11-08 22:21:04
#Champions #League #Late #penalty #seals #Salzburgs #exit
