At the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milano, Inter booked their place in the Champions League semi-finals following an entertaining second-leg draw with Benfica. The Italians took an early lead through Nicolò Barella but Frederik Aursnes leveled for the visitors to maintain slim hope. But in the second period, Lautaro Martinez restored the Nerazzurri’s lead, and his replacement Joaquin Correa added the third. Roger Schmidt’s men pulled two back to secure a 3-3 draw on the night, but the home side advanced with a 5-3 score on aggregate. So here are our player ratings for Inter who will meet their crosstown rivals Milan in the Champions League semi-finals after overcoming Benfica.
Inter (3-5-2)
André Onana – 6
The former Ajax goalkeeper can’t be faulted for any of the three goals he conceded. He made some decent saves early on and had to endure some pain in the final minutes.
Matteo Darmian – 5.5
The former Man United man was arguably the weakest link in the all-Italian backline. He was left hapless against Aursnes who easily beat him in the air to score Benfica’s first goal.
Francesco Acerbi – 7
The veteran defender did a solid job and made some crucial interventions. He can’t be faulted for the late collapse which coincided with Simone Inzaghi’s substitutions.
Alessandro Bastoni – 6.5
A no-nonsense display from the Italy international who rarely darted forward and for good reason since his team didn’t need extra goals.
Denzel Dumfries – 6.5
The Dutchman wasn’t as adventurous as Dimarco, but he performed admirably at the back and won back the ball on several occasions.
Nicolò Barella – 7.5
The Italian midfielder’s stunning goal is enough to warrant the high grade. His performance slightly dropped in the second half, but the damage was already done.
Marcelo Brozovic – 6
The Croatian is gradually re-asserting his authority in the middle of the park, but he remains a far cry from the impeccable Regista who orchestrated the play for Inter in 2020/21.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7.5
A brilliant performance from the Armenian who offered vital contributions on both ends of the pitch. His enchanting give-and-go with Dimarco ahead of Lautaro’s goal was one of the best highlights of the evening.
Federico Dimarco – 8
A superb display from the wingback whose menacing presence on the left flank caused endless problems for Benfica. Provided a magnificent assist for Lautaro’s goal following a give-and-go with Mkhitaryan.
Lautaro Martinez – 8
A night to remember for the World Cup winner who provided the assist for Barella before killing the match by restoring Inter’s lead with a goal that demonstrated his killer instinct.
Edin Dzeko – 6
The Bosnian hasn’t scored in a while, but he remains a focal point in the attack for his Inter teammates. Fought hard for every ball, and his determined approach eventually led to the opening goal.
Substitutes
Romelu Lukaku – 5.5
The Belgian lacked sharpness with the ball at his feet. He was also beaten in the air by Antonio Silva who nodded home Benfica’s second.
Joaquin Correa – 7
The Argentine came off the bench to score the best goal of the evening. Dribbled past his marker before curling a fabulous strike towards the far corner from a tight angle. A perfect finish.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 5.5
The Turkish midfielder hardly made himself noticed during his cameo. He’ll be hellbent on regaining his fitness for the two Derby della Madonnina encounters in the semi-final.
Danilo D’Ambrosio – N/A
Robin Gosens – N/A
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