Nicolò Barella and Romelu Lukaku give Inter Milan comfortable first-leg lead over Benfica
Despite losing for the first time in 2023, following a 2-1 loss against Porto on Friday, Benfica’s spirits remained intact and the Eagles started brightly against Inter Milan.
Federico Dimarco (25) nearly gifted the home side the opener, when his poor headed clearance was seized upon by Rafa Silva (29) and the forward tested André Onana (27) with a powerful low shot from 10-yards.
Inter were quick to turn their attentions to a first UCL quarter final since 2011 following a four-match winless run in Serie A and Dimarco nearly gave the Nerazzurri the perfect remedy as his thumping strike from 25-yards flew inches over the crossbar.
The chance swung momentum in Inter’s favour late in the first half, although the visitors couldn’t capitalise on Dimarco’s mazy run and cut back that was completely missed by three onrushing attackers.
In a similar approach to the first period, Benfica came out strongly, but it was an Alessandro Bastoni (23) inspired counter-attack that led to a shock opener for Inter as his pinpoint cross was met by Barella, who headered past Odysseas Vlachodimos (28) and into the bottom corner.
With nine goals in their last two home Champions League matches, Benfica were not going to accept defeat easily and Silva’s close-range effort after a frenzied goal-mouth scramble was smothered by a grateful Onana.
Yet the Nerazzurri continued to look dangerous on the break and were awarded a penalty after João Mário (30) handled in the area. Lukaku stepped up and lashed an unstoppable low spot-kick confidently past a full-stretch Vlachodimos.
After a fast-start, Benfica’s attacking approach gave way and the Eagles were undone by Inter’s precise counter-attacking approach as Roger Schmidt’s side lost back to back matches for the first time since April 2022.
Under pressure, Simone Inzaghi produced the perfect response with his resolute Inter side in Lisbon and the Nerazzurri were rewarded by ending their six-match winless run.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)
