For the first leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League, Inter beat Porto by 1 to 0, this Wednesday. At San Siro, in Milan, Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to score the winning goal that puts the Italians ahead for the second leg.
First time
In a disputed and blocked start to the game, the first clear chance of a goal came in the 17th minute. After a rehearsed Inter corner kick, Calhanoglu took a chance from outside the area and forced goalkeeper Diogo Costa to make a great save.
Playing away from home, Porto also threatened. Otávio passed to Taremi in the area, who rolled with his heel for midfielder Grujic to hit. Onana saved the shot from close range and, on the rebound, the Portuguese-Brazilian Galeno headed it wide.
In the first half’s stoppage time, Dimarco took a free kick on the right and defender Bastoni headed it into the first post. The Porto goalkeeper was agile to make another great save and sent it to the bottom line.
Two big saves from Diogo Costa to keep the scores level at San Siro ⛔🧤#UCL pic.twitter.com/NNhsyedh4R
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 22, 2023
Second time
On the way back from the break, the match was open with chances for both teams. Inter came close to opening the scoring with Barella. The Italian midfielder received a pass, invaded the area and tried to shoot first, but the ball skimmed the outside of the crossbar.
In the sequence, Taremi came face to face with the goalkeeper and kicked in the corner, but Onana stretched to defend. Porto went on the attack again for Zaidu’s finish, blocked by defender Skriniar. On the rebound, Zaidu kicked again and Onana defended. Taremi still had another opportunity with the open goal and forced the Inter goalkeeper to perform a miracle.
In the final stretch, Otávio received the second yellow card and was expelled. Inter rehearsed pressure for the goal with one more player and opened the scoring in the 40th minute of the second stage. Barella crossed for Lukaku to head the post and the Belgian striker himself took advantage of the rebound to send the back of the net.
Inter secure the win at San Siro 💥#UCL pic.twitter.com/ktY9UScyZf
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 22, 2023
Porto v Inter return match
Inter will take the victory by 1 to 0 in the return duel of the round of 16 of the Champions Leaguewhich will take place on March 14, at Estádio do Dragão, in Porto.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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