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Inter Milan won the away leg of their Champions League semi-final against AC Milan 2-0. Inter thrashed AC Milan, thanks to early goals from Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Dzeko and Mkhitaryan’s goals in the first 11 minutes gave Inter control of a crucial night for Italian football at the San Siro.
Rafael Leao’s injury forced him to withdraw before the game even started, dealing the hosts a severe blow. Inter’s first-half performance was devastating as a result of Inter’s intense focus and punch.
Inter could have led by more had VAR not controversially overturned an on-field penalty decision for a foul by Simon Kjaer on the excellent Lautaro Martinez despite clear contact on the forward.
After the break, AC Milan improved—they couldn’t have played worse. But only a shot by Sandro Tonali that hit the post gave Inter, who always carried a threat on the break, a genuine test.
Inter have the advantage of playing in front of their own fans in the semi-final second leg on Tuesday at the San Siro. The tie’s winner will face either Real Madrid or Manchester City in the final.
Inter Milan blow AC Milan in Away Clash at Champions League Night
The bitter rivals had not met in the Champions League since a quarter-final match in 2005. That clash was called off after an Inter fan threw flares onto the pitch.
Inter provided the fireworks once more, blowing away their opponents with a blistering start.
Former Manchester City striker Dzeko broke free from a corner and thrashed a volley from 12 yards past the helpless Mike Maignan in the Milan goal.
It was 2-0 moments later.
An attack down the left found the onrushing Mkhitaryan, who marched through the Milan defense and finished nicely into the corner.
After that, Hakan Calhanoglu hit a post from 25 yards out, and Maignan saved Mkhitaryan’s close-range effort. It was only one way traffic.
Inter were awarded a penalty in the 31st minute after Martinez went down under a challenge from Kjaer. It was a huge relief for Stefano Pioli’s side. However, when the VAR asked Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano to review his decision, he decided to overturn it.
After the break, Milan responded with Brahim Diaz curling just wide from 20 yards and Junior Messias wasting a great chance when through on goal.
Tonali’s strike then cannoned off the base of the left post on a night when nothing fell for the home side.
Inter Milan’s night had arrived. The final is within striking distance.
