The highly-anticipated Champions League quarter-final clash between Benfica and Inter Milan began with a bang as both teams looked to stamp their authority in the first leg. In an enthralling encounter, it was the visitors who emerged victorious, thanks to sublime finishes from Romelu Lukaku and Nicolo Barella. Despite Benfica’s valiant efforts, they were unable to break through Inter’s resolute defense and will now face an uphill battle in the second leg at San Siro. This article will delve deeper into the key moments of the game and analyze the impact of Lukaku and Barella’s performances on Inter’s quest for European glory.
Inter Milan secured a 2-0 win against Benfica in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Lisbon’s Stadium of Light. The Italian team ended their month-long winless run as Nicolo Barella and Romelu Lukaku scored second-half goals. Barella scored in the 51st minute with a header off Alessandro Bastoni’s long cross into the area. Substitute Lukaku doubled Inter’s lead converting an 82nd-minute penalty kick determined by video review for a handball by former Inter player Joao Mario inside the area.
Despite controlling the pace of the game, Benfica failed to score in their first Champions League loss in 13 matches this season. This loss put the Portuguese side at a disadvantage with next week’s second leg to secure their place in the competition.
The win had moved Inter into a good position to reach the semi-finals of the European competition for the first time in more than a decade. The winner of the series between Inter and Benfica will face AC Milan or Napoli in the semi-finals. Inter were winless in six matches in all competitions, with their last victory against Lecce in the Italian league in March. Benfica, on the other hand, had won 13 of their last 15 matches in all competitions since their loss against rivals Porto in the Portuguese league.
The second leg will take place in Milan on April 19th. In the meantime, Benfica will travel to Chaves in the league on Saturday, while Inter Milan hosts Monza in a Serie A fixture on the same day.
As the final whistle blew at the Estádio Da Luz, it was clear that Inter Milan had come to play. With two stunning goals from Romelu Lukaku and Nicolo Barella, the Italian giants earned an impressive 2-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. This win not only gives Inter a commanding lead in the two-legged affair but also puts them one step closer to their ultimate goal of lifting the Champions League trophy. However, while the outlook may seem bleak for Benfica, anything can happen in football, and they will undoubtedly be looking to mount a comeback in the second leg. Regardless of the outcome, it’s safe to say that this match was a thrilling display of world-class football that left fans on the edge of their seats.
