Convincing win in derby, Inter puts one foot in final

Updated date: 11/05/2023 08:09:56

Inter Milan completely overwhelmed "hosts" AC Milan and won 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday, this result puts the Nerazzurri on the verge of returning to the match for the most prestigious European football trophy for the first time since 2010.

Edin Dzeko paved the way for a comprehensive 2-0 win over AC Milan.

The San Siro was packed to capacity almost an hour before kick-off and both sets of fans began exchanging chants and insults ahead of the first Milan derby in the Champions League semi-finals since 2003. The once-in-20-years event has also attracted a host of big names from the two teams’ pasts, along with tennis legend Novak Djokovic, a Milan fan. The teams have met four times in the Champions League in the past, with Milan unbeaten, but Wednesday was a complete reversal.

When the whistle blew, there was really only one team on the pitch, with the nominal visitors, Inter, showing much more stability and dynamism. In the first 30 minutes, the “home team” Milan only had 1 shot and it was not on target, while Inter had 7 shots and scored 2 goals, if they had been luckier they could have created a 4-goal gap but once the ball hit the post and VAR denied a penalty.

It didn't take long for the visitors to open the scoring, with Edin Dzeko scoring a superb volley after eight minutes from Hakan Calhanoglu's corner. And just three minutes later, Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan found himself in the net for the second time after Henrikh Mkhitaryan's direct strike from Federico Dimarco's low cross. Milan were stunned by the development, with Calhanoglu almost silencing his former supporters with a long-range effort that hit the post. In the 30th minute, Lautaro Martinez claimed a penalty for being pulled down by Simon Kjær, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano ruled it out after a VAR review. Milan had only managed two shots on target in the opening 45 minutes.

Goalkeeper Mike Maignan was beaten by Henrikh Mkhitaryan's direct shot

Inter continued to dominate in the second half, but Dzeko missed a great chance to kill the tie off but was unable to win it when he was one-on-one with Maignan in the 53rd minute. In the final half hour, Inter comfortably held their opponents at bay and then received a standing ovation from their supporters, who were starting to dream of a trip to Türkiye for a first Champions League final since they last won it 13 years ago.

Reaching the final would be incredibly sweet for Inter, who will avenge their semi-final and quarter-final exits at the hands of Milan in 2003 and 2005. The winner of that tie will face either holders Real Madrid or Man City (the first leg ended 1-1) in the final on June 10 in Istanbul. Dzeko told Prime Video after a fine individual performance, which saw him score his third goal since January: “The team is really motivated, it’s not every day you play a Milan derby in a Champions League semi-final. Sometimes I don’t score and that’s all people talk about lately, but I always give something else. Today I worked for the team and that’s what’s needed in such a big game.”

Milan will struggle if they are to turn things around and claim an eighth European crown, with Rafael Leao expected to be available for next week's decisive clash. The Portuguese winger's absence leaves Milan without a key attacking threat, with Ismael Bennacer injured in the 18th minute of the first leg. But coach Stefano Pioli remains optimistic ahead of Tuesday's return leg at San Siro: "The reality is that Inter were better in the first half, scoring two goals, while Milan showed improvement in the second half but couldn't find the net. For the return leg we need more quality and a more positive attitude. Leao is not ready to play today, there are six days to go and we hope he will be ready."

Milan, last season's Serie A champions, have won just two of their last six home games and are currently outside the top four (two points behind fourth-placed Inter) in the table with four games remaining.

According to VIET TUNG (SGGP)

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