Inter Milan took a slender advantage in their Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid, thanks to a late goal from substitute Marko Arnautovic. The former West Ham and Stoke City forward scored in the 79th minute, after Lautaro Martinez’s shot was parried by Jan Oblak. It was Arnautovic’s first Champions League knockout goal, and his fourth in the competition this season.
The goal came after a period of sustained pressure from the hosts, who had missed several chances to break the deadlock. Arnautovic himself had spurned two golden opportunities earlier in the second half, heading over the bar and firing over from close range. He made amends with a powerful finish from a tight angle, sending the San Siro crowd into raptures.
A defensive display
Atletico Madrid, who had topped their group ahead of Lazio, Feyenoord and Celtic, offered little threat in attack, and failed to register a single shot on target. Their best chance fell to Luis Suarez, who volleyed wide from a corner in the first half. The visitors also suffered a blow when Antoine Griezmann limped off with an apparent injury in the 68th minute.
Diego Simeone’s side, who are known for their defensive solidity, were unable to contain Inter’s dynamic front line, led by Martinez and Marcus Thuram. The latter was forced off with an injury just before half-time, paving the way for Arnautovic’s introduction. The Austrian proved to be the difference maker, as he gave Inter a precious lead to take to Madrid for the second leg.
A dominant performance
Inter Milan, who are the runaway leaders in Serie A, showed why they are one of the favourites to win the Champions League this season. They dominated the possession, the shots and the corners, and did not allow Atletico to settle into their usual rhythm. They also kept their 21st clean sheet in all competitions, thanks to a solid display from goalkeeper Yann Sommer and the back three of Milan Skriniar, Stefan de Vrij and Alessandro Bastoni.
Simone Inzaghi’s side, who were the runners-up in the Champions League last season, losing to Manchester City in the final, have not lost a game since December 20, when they were knocked out of the Coppa Italia by Bologna. They have won 15 and drawn three of their last 18 matches in all competitions, scoring 45 goals and conceding only 11. They will be confident of reaching the quarter-finals, as they have a formidable record away from home.
A decisive second leg
The two teams will meet again on March 13 at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, where Atletico Madrid have only lost once this season, to Real Madrid in La Liga. The Spanish side will need to score at least two goals to have a chance of progressing, while Inter Milan will hope to defend their lead and hit Atletico on the counter-attack.
The winner of this tie will face either Barcelona or Porto in the quarter-finals, who played out a 1-1 draw in their first leg in Portugal. The second leg of that tie will also take place on March 13, at the Camp Nou.
