Serie A joint-pacesetters Inter pulled off a narrow 1-0 win over their Primeira Liga counterparts Benfica at Giuseppe Meazza. Marcus Thuram’s moment of inspiration settled a cagey contest to get Nerazzurri off the mark in this season’s Champions League.
Following a 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad on the opening matchday, Inter had a point to prove against Benfica. Simone Inzaghi expected a much better performance from his side after scoring from the only shot on target in San Sebastian last month.
Though it wasn’t the most dazzling display from Inter, they bettered their rivals, especially in the second half. The deciding moment of the game took place in the 62nd minute as Thuram pounced on Denzel Dumfries’ neat cut-back to put the Italians in front.
After netting four against Salernitana, Lautaro Martinez had an array of incredible misses tonight. Luckily for the Inter captain, Benfica failed to punish his profligacy in front of goal as Nerazzurri put an all-important three points on the board.
Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 7
The Swiss goalkeeper proved reliable again, making several crucial saves to keep another clean sheet. His stop to thwart Fredrik Aursnes from point-blank inside the opening 14 minutes laid the foundation for Inter’s win.
Benjamin Pavard – 7.5
The marquee summer signing painted his Champions League debut for Inter with flying colors. He had Rafa Silva in his back pocket all night long and was instrumental in helping his side build from the back. His composure was off the charts.
Francesco Acerbi – 7
Having two young center-backs playing alongside him suits the veteran as he delivered another solid performance. The Italian imposed aerial dominance on David Neres and Artur Cabral, winning every duel in the air.
Alessandro Bastoni – 7
As the final component of Inzaghi’s defensive trio, the only left-footed defender on this team did his job to a tee. We’re all well aware of his technical prowess, but he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty to stop Angel Di Maria.
Federico Dimarco – 6.5
While he wasn’t as decisive as in some recent Serie A games, the offensive-minded left-back was spotless tonight. His defending was decent, but his ventures forward were crucial to opening spaces in the front third.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7
Going toe-to-toe with Benfica’s star-studded midfield is a mammoth task, but the Armenian showed his class. He bossed the center of the field today, courtesy of his endless work rate and clever runs into the channels.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 6.5
The Turks’ passing has never been a subject of discussion, but it looks like he’s running out of steam. He was too slow to react to some loose balls at the halfway point, but his determination made up for a lack of pace.
Nicolo Barella – 7.5
There’s no doubt he was the most inspired Inter midfielder this evening. The diminutive dynamo was everywhere. His passes were clinical. His tackles were on the money. A complete performance!
Denzel Dumfries – 7.5
He looks like a new man this season. Not only has he provided a pivotal assist to Thuram, but he was a beast on the right-hand side all night. His bursting runs down the right flank made Juan Bernat look like a second-tier player.
Marcus Thuram – 7.5
After a torrid first half, the Frenchman scored his first Champions League goal for Inter worth three points, nonetheless. It’s a pity Martinez couldn’t set his crosshairs tonight. Otherwise, he could’ve had an assist to his name.
Lautaro Martinez – 6
No one can deny the Argentine’s never-ending thirst for goals. He worked his socks off to get on the scoresheet this evening. But nothing went his way. Anatoliy Trubin thwarted him on a number of occasions, while he also had to deal with the woodwork TWICE!
Substitutes
Alexis Sanchez – 6.5
After an underwhelming performance against Salernitana, the Chilean put in a shift tonight, coming close to racking up an assist, but Martinez’s shot was saved by Trubin.
Matteo Darmian – 6
Took Dumfries’ place and help up his end of the bargain at the back.
Carlos Augusto – N/A
Kristjan Asllani – N/A
Davy Klassen – N/A
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