Benfica vs Inter 0-2: Nerazzurri Put One Foot in Semi Finals

Inter snapped a six-game winless streak on the road in a morale-boosting fashion to put one foot in the Champions League semi-finals. Barella and Lukaku scored for the Nerazzurri beyond halftime, handing Inzaghi’s side a landslide lead going into the second leg at Giuseppe Meazza.

Minute 94: It’s Over! Inter on the Brink of Semi-Finals

Referee Michael Oliver blows the final whistle. Inter defied the odds to take home a substantial lead.

SPECIALISTA. #ForzaInter #UCL #BenficaInter pic.twitter.com/jKJc4WUWbO

— Inter (@Inter) April 11, 2023

Minute 82: Lukaku Converts Penalty; Inter In Cruising Control!

Referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot for Joao Mario’s handball inside the box after consulting with the side-pitch monitor. Second-half substitute Romelu Lukaku stepped up to the plate and delivered. Even though the keeper guessed the side right, he had no chance. Inter one step away from reaching the semi-finals!

Minute 78: Dumfries Wastes a Sitter!

Denzel Dumfries had a glorious opportunity to put Inter in a sailing lead. Vlachodimos pulled off a fantastic save to deny the Dutch right-back from point-blank. Dumfries tried again off the rebound, but one of the defenders came up with a crucial block!

Minute 73: Grimaldo Inches Wide!

It was a moment of danger for Inter! Alex Grimaldo was unmarked on the edge of the box and tried to hit it first time. His effort took a slight deflection on the way in and finished inches wide of the far post.

Minute 51: Barella Heads home! Inter 1-0 Up

Despite a disappointing first-half performance, Inter got off the mark through Nicolo Barella. Alessandro Bastoni sent in a delightful cross straight to the Italian’s header, who smashed the ball past Vlachodimos to give the visitors an all-important lead.

Half Time: Everything’s Still Open in Lisbon

Given what’s at stake, it comes as no surprise that neither side wanted to give too much away this early in the tie. However, it’s fair to say Benfica had their chances and could’ve entered halftime with the lead, but Onana saved the day.

Inter hoped to threaten Odysseas Vlachodimos’ goal on the counter, yet they couldn’t find the final pass. Edin Dzeko was invisible, while Martinez tried to get more involved in the link-up play but to no avail. Hopefully, the second half will provide more entertainment.

Minute 25: Acerbi from Distance!

Francesco Acerbi had a crack at goal from long range, but the ball flew a whisker over the crossbar. Inter threatened Benfica’s goal for the first time.

Minute 16: Onana Thwarts Silva

What a chance for Benfica! Rafa Silva latched onto the rebound inside the box and unleashed a thunderous first-time strike. However, Andre Onana pulled off a stunning diving save to deny the Portuguese ace.

Kick Off! We Are Underway!

It’s the moment of truth for Inzaghi and his lads. Stay with us to keep track of the latest match updates.

Benfica and Inter are about to square off at the Estadio da Luz in the first leg of their exciting Champions League quarter-final tie. The stakes could not be higher for the Nerazzurri boss Simone Inzaghi, who is on the verge of being sacked following his side’s woeful spell of form in domestic competitions.

Making a standout result in the Champions League could be the only saving grace for Inzaghi, given the circumstances. However, runaway Primeira Liga leaders Benfica have proved a formidable team in Europe this season, going unbeaten in all eight matches, including a 4-3 home win over Inter’s fellow Serie A rivals Juventus in the group stages.

But Inter can draw some courage from ousting Benfica’s arch-nemesis Porto in the opening knockout round. Yet a 1-0 aggregate triumph lacked conviction, while the Italian’s dreadful six-match winless streak in all competitions spells further trouble. Considering the visitors’ current form, Inzaghi might not mind a draw in Lisbon, but the Nerazzurri may have to play out of their skins to avoid defeat.

All eyes will be on Lautaro Martinez, whose recent performances have flattered to deceive. If Inter are to stand any chance in this tie, the Argentine must showcase his talent and get off the mark in April.