An Inter in low hours in Serie A handcuffed Benfica in their own stadium and achieved a victory that, although not decisive, leaves the Champions League quarter-final tie very uphill for the Portuguese. Inter always competes. It doesn’t matter if his vital signs seem low. On this occasion, his trade and experience prevailed over the audacity of Roger Schmidt’s men. The goals from Barella and Lukaku from penalties, both in the second half, demolished the illusions of those present in Da Luz.
Benfica has become on its own merits one of the great revelations of the Champions League. His courageous and attractive style when associated with the ball has led him to be a leader in Portugal. Against Inter, however, those intentions that have captivated the general public ran into enormous difficulties. The high and orderly pressing of Inzaghi’s men was a torment for the Portuguese, who were unable to reach Onana’s goal with any real danger throughout the entire match.
The virtues of this Inter, which in Italy has even left the Champions League positions, go through defensive work and direct play. In both phases they shined overnight and managed to have very little happen in their area. In the first half, only one shot from Rafa after a rebound from Acerbi, which Onana deflected, and another shot from Joao Mario deflected. Very little baggage for a team used to living in a rival field.
In the final stretch of the first half, Inter appeared in the Vlachodimos area. Lautaro MartÃnez had the clearest chance, but his shot went wide. More vertical, the Italian team gave a greater sense of danger, while their rival was unable to find a last accurate pass.
At the restart Benfica came out with more determination, however again they were unable to find a clear finishing position. After a few first minutes of Portuguese oppression, Inter returned to unleash some whiplash on the counter. In one of them, the center-back Bastoni put a cross at the far post for Barella to finish off the net and deal a real blow to the Portuguese team.
From the goal, Benfica’s dominance was much more pronounced, but Inter closed the door and Onana barely had to appear. With ten minutes to go Dumfries had a double chance, after which he caused a penalty. Lukaku, who had come on in the second half, converted the penalty to end Da Luz’s dreams.
