INTER Milan put one foot in the semifinals of the Champions League after winning 2-0 at home to Benfica in the first leg of the quarter-finals, Wednesday (12/4) early morning WIB, thanks to goals from Nicolo Barella and Romelu Lukaku.
The Serie A club, who are winners of the Champions League three times, won an important victory at the Estadio da Luz while inflicting Benfica’s first defeat in the Champions League this season.
After a goalless first half draw, Barella opened Inter’s lead in the 51st minute from Alessandro Bastoni’s cross while Lukaku, who came on as a substitute, scored the Nerazzurri’s second goal from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute.
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Benfica, seeking to reach the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 1990, failed to overcome the visitors’ resistance.
Despite appearing inconsistent in the last few matches, Inter successfully displayed a patient and professional game at Benfica.
The Nerazzuri, who have only managed to score two goals in their last five games managed to score the same number of goals in Lisbon.
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The win over Benfica opened up the opportunity for Inter Milan to face fellow Serie A clubs in the semifinal match of the Champions League considering that in another quarter-final match, leaders Napoli faced AC Milan.
Inter Milan will host Benfica in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Thursday (20/4) in the morning WIB at the San Siro. (AFP/Z-1)