Inter knock out arch-rivals AC Milan in semi-final first leg

At the end of the first round, AC Milan is close to knockout. In the semi-final first leg of the Champions League, Wednesday May 10, Olivier Giroud and his teammates were beaten by their historic rival, Inter (2-0). Led and then clinched after only ten minutes of play, on goals from Edin Dzeko (8th) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (11th), they never managed to make up at least part of their delay. The Rossoneri are now condemned to the feat in a week, during the return match, to hope to interfere in the final of the most prestigious European competition.

Opposite, the Nerazzurri did not want to see history repeat itself after their elimination in their two previous confrontations with their rival in the Champions League knockout phase: in the semi-finals of the 2002-2003 edition and in the 2004-2005 quarter-finals. Uninhibited, despite playing away in their own stadium, they were rewarded with their aggressive start to the game.

A post but nothing more for the Rossoneri

Edin Dzeko’s opener, taking straight from the fly the corner taken by Hakan Calhanoglu (8th), showed how Simone Inzaghi’s players were more motivated and focused. The second blow, delivered three minutes later, mainly highlighted the wanderings of the AC Milan defense, lost. The addition could have been even more salty if the post had not intervened on the super-powerful strike from Calhanoglu (16th), and if the VAR had not invalidated the penalty initially obtained by Lautaro Martinez (30th).

After this demonstration of power, the rhythm of the meeting fell, but Stefano Pioli’s players waited for the start of the second period to finally threaten André Onana’s cage. But they failed to achieve their only quarter of an hour of domination, even if Sandro Tonali hit the post (63rd). This occasion also sounded the death knell for their offensive ambitions, when it could have rekindled the flame.

The move is perfect for Inter, who have a cushion of two goals before appropriating San Siro in the return match on Tuesday. This victory allows the Lombard club to glimpse a first Champions League final since its last coronation, in 2010.