Inter Milan advances to the semifinals after a controlled display of efficiency
Inter tailed Benfica with a decisive performance in the second half, sealing a 0-2 victory that reflected their dominance on the night. The Nerazzurri moved through to the next round by leveraging disciplined defense and precise finishing, turning the tie in their favor after a tense opening 45 minutes that produced little on the scoreboard. The late goals from Barella and Lukaku sealed the result and underscored Inter’s confidence on the continental stage. This outcome highlighted Inter’s organization, resilience, and clinical edge in front of goal.
Data sheet:
0 – Benfica: Vlachodimos; Gilberto, Antonio Silva, Morato, Grimaldo; Florentino (Neres, min. 64), Chiquinho; João Mário, Aursnes, Rafa; Gonçalo Ramos.
2 – Inter Milan: Onana; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni (De Vrij, min.92); Dumfries (D’Ambrosio, min.87), Barella, Brozović, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco (Gosens, min.63); Lautaro Martínez (Correa, min.63), Dzeko (Lukaku, min.62).
targets: 0-1, min.51: Barella; 0-2, min.82: Lukaku.
Judge: Michael Oliver (ENG). Yellow cards shown to Silva of Benfica, Brozović and Dzeko of Inter.
The first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals took place at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, a venue that usually boosts Benfica’s pace and enthusiasm. The match started with both sides mindful of balance, and neither team found a breakthrough as the opening minutes unfolded with careful occupancy and solid defensive shape. A misstep by Dimarco created a rare moment of risk for Inter, but Onana remained well positioned to save Rafa Silva’s effort and avert danger.
As the game progressed, Benfica pressed more aggressively, while Inter maintained a compact stance at the back. The visitors rarely allowed themselves to be pulled out of position and intercepted lines with precision, cutting off many Benfica runs before they could develop. Dimarco’s attacking forays down the left supplied some of the few moments of sustained pressure, yet the decisive chance that could tilt the tie did not arrive until late in the half.
The breakthrough arrived when Bastoni delivered an incisive pass from the left that bypassed Benfica’s defense and found Barella free at the far post for a straightforward header. This goal changed the dynamic of the tie, lifting Inter’s tempo and forcing Benfica to chase the game in the final phase.
Benfica returned from the break with renewed intent, but Inter countered with sharp transitions. Dumfries and Mkhitaryan almost extended the lead with close-range efforts that tested Vlachodimos. VAR review moments did not alter the outcome, and the second goal arrived from a well-executed counter that Lukaku finished to seal the scoreline. Onana then produced a standout save to deny Ramos in a late one-on-one, reinforcing Inter’s control as the clock wound down.
The result underscored Inter’s strategic discipline and willingness to strike decisively when opportunities appeared. As the match concluded, the Nerazzurri celebrated a performance that combined solid defensive organization with lethal finishing, earning them a spot in the semifinals and a chance to chase European glory again. [Source: UEFA match report]