Inter Milan 3-3 Benfica: Benfica did not win for the fourth time in a row on Wednesday evening. The draw at Internazionale meant elimination in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Things also went wrong for trainer Roger Schmidt and his men in the first leg. The breakthrough of Inter means that two extra derbies will be added to the program.
End of Benfica fairy tale means Milan derby in Champions League
Benfica knew that the tough mission it faced had only been successfully carried out once before in European history, but Ajax’s feat of 1969 was never repeated. As early as the fourteenth minute, Benfica’s task was made even more difficult by a goal from Nicolò Barella, who found the left corner after a cut. Last week he also opened the score against Benfica.
Just before the break, Fredrik Aursnes made it a bit exciting with his first goal in the Champions League, but Inter never got into serious trouble after that. The arrival of David Neres also changed little, although the Portuguese were more on the ball. However, after a rare outbreak from the home club, it was hit 25 minutes before the end. Lautaro Martínez tapped in from close range for the 2-1.
It broke at Benfica and a fresh Inter scored once more for the enthusiastic home crowd. Joaquín Correa made the 3-1 in complete freedom ten minutes before the end. The late goal against António Silva was not allowed to spoil the party joy and even when the 3-3 fell via Petar Musa, the party remained in the stands.
The draw also means that Inter, like city rivals AC Milan, can report in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Because UEFA already drew lots for the semi-final battle, it is clear that the two clubs from Milan will meet in the semi-final battle. Inter reached the final of the Champions League for the last time in 2010, for AC Milan it was three years earlier.
Onana chuckles at ‘quarrel’ with Brozovic: “It was a show”
Andre Onana has responded with a smile to his so-called argument with teammate Marcelo Brozovic. During training, player and keeper almost came to blows during a round, but according to Onana, there was a lot of drama involved.
At Amazon Prime Italia, Onana looked back on his season in the Champions League. But also discussed the upcoming match against Benfica. Towards that game, there seemed to be some friction within the selection of Internazionale, but this is denied by Onana. “It was just a show because we knew there were cameras,” the goalie chuckled. “Everything is absolutely fine.”
Onana kept a clean sheet against Benfica. For the sixth time in a Champions League match this season against Benfica last week. With the 2-0 victory, Inter is well on its way to the semi-finals of the elite tournament. If that succeeds, fellow townsman and rival AC Milan will be the opponent.
