The rage of Marko Arnautovic contrasts with the disappointment of Atlético captain Koke, on unfavorable waivers before the return. AFP / GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP / MARCO BERTORELLO
Arnautovic replacing heroically, Barella in control but also the complicated evenings of Thuram and Griezmann, find the top-flops of Inter-Atlético (1-0).
TOPS
Arnautovic returns Giuseppe Meazza
The unexpected hero of the evening. Substitute at kick-off, coming on in place of an injured Marcus Thuram (see below), Marko Arnautovic scored the only goal of the round of 16 first leg between Inter Milan and Atlético de Madrid (1-0). Opportunistic scorer (79th), the Austrian was heading towards a nightmare evening, whistles beginning to appear on his touches of the ball after his numerous misses (48th, 51st), including one in particular really annoying up close (63rd). But it is he who will turn over an entire stadium a quarter of an hour later, giving a slight advantage to the Interists before the return in three weeks.
Read alsoChampions League: orphan of Thuram, Inter overcomes Atlético
Patron size stretcher
The boss of the interior world. Now a sure value in his position, Nicolo Barella has signed a new choice score, combining his sense of passing (88% of successful passes) a taste for saving combat (7 duels won s). Close to the decisive pass on his crosses towards Lautaro (34th) then Arnautovic (51st), it is also and above all he who wins the header duel which leads to the winning goal.
Read alsoInter Milan-Atlético de Madrid: in video, Arnautovic’s furious goal which delivers the Italians
Witsel resisted for a long time
Successfully repositioned in central defense, where he operates like a modern libero, Axel Witsel confirms this new position. Always well placed, as in this decisive interception in front of Thuram in the depth (18th), the former defensive midfielder reigned at the back for a while and symbolized the defensive efforts of his team ( 7 clearances, 3 shots blocked). All before diving in front of the repeated attacks from the locals, at the end of the match.
FLOPS
Colchonero shipwreck in the middle
The experienced trio Saul-Koke-De Paul rather called for caution and to respond presently for the event. But said trio took on water. Overwhelmed by the technique of the interior counterparts around Barella, overwhelmed in the duels, the Atlético midfielders have looked pale and will have every interest in reestablishing the hierarchy for return.
Also read: Inter Milan-Atletico de Madrid: Thuram and Griezmann are injured
Bad evening for Thuram and Griezmann
Their duel was expected, but the Thuram-Griezmann duo took a bad turn. First for the first mentioned. Inter’s most used player this season (33 matches), the neo-Interist suffered his first injury of the season… at the worst time. Replaced at the break due to severe pain in the adductor, number 9 stopped short following a shot on target (44th). Previously, he had weighed with his mobility, first in the area (3rd) before putting himself at the service of Lautaro. His high recovery and his pass to his captain deserved better (39th). Opposite, his friend Antoine Griezmann, who accompanied him to the locker room at the break, suffered the same fate, the fault of ankle pain. Replaced… a minute before the home goal (78th), the number 7 of the Blues was previously going through an evening like he rarely experiences. Muzzled and de facto limited in his influence, “Grizou” experienced an evening to forget.
Read alsoOJ Paris 2024: Antoine Griezmann “dreams” of participating
The rats of Lautaro
A (deserved) ovation when he leaves. But would it have been the same without the victory at the end? A formidable scorer, the Argentinian distinguished himself at his expense this Tuesday. Sometimes too optimistic (32nd) or too slow in execution (39th), but also failing with his head (34th, 77th), the Inter captain will have tried everything, but his 23rd goal of the season will wait. Fortunately also for him that Arnautovic followed well on the goal, because he was again slow to finish (79th). Monumental in the fight, the Argentine “Bull” remains an example to follow for his entire team.
