No surprises at the San Siro in the Champions League Group C opener. The current gap between Inter and Bayern Munich is just too large for the Nerazzurri to hope for a different outcome as the German juggernauts won 2-0 with a goal from Leroy Sané and a Danilo D’Ambrosio own goal.
After losing the Derby della Madonnina, Simone Inzaghi made a few changes in his regular lineup. Andre Onana made his debut between the sticks and authored a positive performance, sparing more blushed to the Nerazzurri. Henrikh Mkhitaryan was deployed from the start for the first time, while Robin Gosens collected his second cap as a starter.
In Romelu Lukaku’s absence, Lautaro Martinez’s offensive partner was Edin Dzeko. The midfield dynamo Nicoló Barella was left on the bench – a decision that some may question, considering how the game went.
Bayern’s superiority appeared embarrassing from the get go as Joshua Kimmich went for a shot twice within the first two minutes. Julian Nagelsmann’s men pressed high up the pitch and the Nerazzurri didn’t seem to have any answer.
Onana saved what he could, distinguishing himself for a brilliant intervention from a Thomas Muller challenge on 23 minutes. But he couldn’t do anything when Sané was fed by Kimmich with a spectacular long-range pass. The German international bested both D’Ambrosio and Denzel Dumfries – who should have done better – and deposited the ball into the back of the net after dribbling past the Cameroonian goalkeeper.
Dzeko led Inter’s reaction with a header that called Manuel Neuer to action. Just like Juventus yesterday, the Nerazzurri had a comeback in the second period after being dominated for the whole first half.
D’Ambrosio had a chance but sent his shot out of target, while Dzeko’s next effort was blocked by Neuer. However, Bayern doubled their lead right when Inter were having their best moment. The German’s second came as D’Ambrosio unluckily deflected the ball into his own net from a quick exchange between Sané and Kingsley Coman.
Joaquin Correa and Lautaro Martinez had opportunities to reopen the game but luck was just not on their side. Bayern didn’t have to go above and beyond to preserve their double lead and comfortably kept the match in control until full time.
Simone Inzaghi’s Inter are still a work in progress and tonight’s game didn’t change their qualification outlook. In the other match of Group C, Barcelona humiliated Viktoria Plzen by a 5-1 score. Even after just one game, it seems likely that the Nerazzurri will need some sort a miracle to go past the group stage.
MATCH SCORECARD
September 7, 2022 – Champions 2022-2023 Group C
INTER – BAYERN MUNICH 0-2
SCORERS: 25′ Sané, 66′ D’Ambrosio o.g.
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INTER (3-5-2): Onana; D’Ambrosio, Skriniar (71′ De Vrij), A. Bastoni (71′ Dimarco); Dumfries (71′ Darmian), Mkhitaryan, Brozovic, Calhanoglu (81′ Gagliardini, Gosens; Lautaro Martinez, Dzeko (71′ Correa) (Handanovic, Cordaz, Bellanova, Asllani, Acerbi, Barella) Coach: S. Inzaghi |
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BAYERN MUNICH (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Pavard, de Ligt (75′ Upamecano), Lucas Hernandez (84′ Stanisic), A. Davies; Kimmich, Sabitzer (61′ Goretzka); Coman (75′ Gnabry), Muller, Sané (84′ Musiala); Mané (Ulreich, Schenk, Choupo-Moting, Gravenberch, Tel, Mazraoui) Coach: Nagelsmann |
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Dimarco (I), De Ligt (B); Added Time: 1st Half 1′, 2nd Half 3′
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