Inter Milan Cruise Past Feyenoord to Secure Champions League Quarter-Final Spot
Inter Milan confirmed their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a dominant 2-1 victory over Feyenoord at the San Siro, sealing a 4-1 aggregate win. The three-time European champions showcased their experience and firepower to eliminate Robin van Persie’s side, who were making their deepest run in the competition in over two decades.
Inter Strike Early to Set the Tone
Inter took full control of the tie in the opening minutes, knowing that their 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Rotterdam put them in the driver’s seat. Feyenoord, needing a near-perfect performance to turn the tie around, started with high intensity and had an early attempt on goal through Aymen Sliti. The youngster, who was making his senior debut under Van Persie, fired a shot at Yann Sommer in the seventh minute, but the experienced Swiss goalkeeper made a routine save.
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However, just a minute later, Inter showed their clinical edge. Marcus Thuram, who had already found the net in the first leg, dribbled past a shaky Feyenoord defense and unleashed a powerful shot into the top-right corner, giving the hosts the lead after just eight minutes. The goal put the Dutch side in an even deeper hole, needing three goals to force extra time.
Feyenoord Fight Back Before Halftime
Despite conceding early, Feyenoord refused to back down. They pushed forward in search of an equalizer, with Wolves loanee Hugo Bueno and Polish international Jakub Moder trying their luck from distance. However, Inter’s defensive structure remained solid, with Sommer dealing comfortably with any threats.
Just before the break, Feyenoord found a much-needed lifeline. A reckless challenge inside the box saw the referee point to the penalty spot, giving the visitors a golden opportunity to level the score on the night. Moder took responsibility and confidently slotted the ball into the bottom-left corner, making it 1-1 just before halftime. The goal gave Feyenoord a glimmer of hope, but they still had a mountain to climb in the second half.
Calhanoglu Restores Inter’s Control
Inter came out for the second half determined to put the tie beyond reach. Just five minutes after the restart, Marcus Thuram tested Timon Wellenreuther with a powerful strike, but the ball sailed just over the crossbar.
Their relentless pressure soon paid off. Medhi Taremi went down inside the Feyenoord penalty area after a challenge from Thomas Beelen, prompting the referee to award Inter a penalty. While there was some debate over the call, VAR upheld the decision, and Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up to take the spot kick. The Turkish midfielder made no mistake, calmly converting to put Inter back in front in the 51st minute.
Thuram Denied a Second Goal
With a comfortable lead in hand, Inter played with confidence and continued to create chances. Thuram, who had been a nightmare for Feyenoord’s defense all night, nearly grabbed his second goal in the 68th minute, but his powerful strike rattled the crossbar.
The French forward thought he had won another penalty minutes later after going down inside the box under a challenge from Beelen. However, after a VAR review, the referee overturned the decision and booked Thuram for simulation, ending any further controversy.
Feyenoord’s European Run Comes to an End
Van Persie’s side, knowing they were out of contention, focused on damage control in the final minutes. Despite their exit, Feyenoord can be proud of their Champions League campaign, as they reached the knockout stages for the first time in over 20 years and put in respectable performances against one of Europe’s elite clubs.
For Inter, the win marks their second quarter-final appearance in three years. The Italian giants now prepare to face Bayern Munich in the next round after the German champions comfortably dispatched Bayer Leverkusen with a 5-0 aggregate victory.
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Key Takeaways from the Match
- Marcus Thuram’s Brilliance: The French forward was a standout performer, scoring the opening goal and causing problems for Feyenoord’s defense throughout the match.
- Inter’s Experience Shows: Simone Inzaghi’s men displayed composure and efficiency in crucial moments, ensuring they never allowed Feyenoord a way back into the tie.
- Feyenoord’s Resilience: Despite the defeat, the Dutch side showed moments of quality, with Moder’s penalty and Sliti’s promising debut offering positive signs for the future.
Inter’s quest for European glory continues as they now shift their focus to the quarter-finals, where a massive clash against Bayern Munich awaits.
