Pioli confirms Leo will return for AC Milan in Champions League semi-final 2nd leg
Inter Milan reached the Champions League final in efficient fashion with a controlled and clinical display against city rivals AC Milan.
Taking a two-goal advantage into the second leg, the Nerazzurri didn’t need to overextend themselves in attack, instead focusing on winning the midfield battle to cut off supply lines for Milan’s returning star, Raffaele Leo. Both goalkeepers were in action in the first half, with Andre Onana keeping out Brahim Diaz’s early shot and Mike Mignon denying Edin Dzeko.
The half-time break came and went but Milan didn’t look like breaking down Inter’s solid backline. The introduction of Romelu Lukaku ended Milan’s hopes of a comeback. A selfless centre-forward display ensured he set up Lautaro Martinez’s only goal of the game and a Champions League final dream came true as Inter extended their lead to three on aggregate.
Relive all the action from Inter and Milan in the Champions League semi-final:
FT Inter 1-0 Milan (3-0 AG)
In 2018/19, Internazionale became the first team to reach the Champions League final since both Liverpool and Tottenham that season, despite finishing second in their group that season, and the first Italian club to do so since Juventus in 2014/15.
Mike Jones16 May 2023 22:13
FT Inter 1-0 Milan (3-0 AG)
Ladaro Martínez has scored more goals for Inter against Milan (8) than any other opponent; In fact, he is the top scorer against Milan in all competitions since joining his current club in 2018.
Mike Jones16 May 2023 22:10
FT Inter 1-0 Milan (3-0 AG)
Lautaro Martínez became only the second Argentine to score for Inter in a Champions League semi-final since Diego Milito in a 3-1 win against Barcelona in the first leg of the 2009/10 tie.
Mike Jones16 May 2023 22:07
Inter vs AC Milan player ratings: Lautaro Martinez and Francesco Acerbi star for Nerazzurri
The goalkeepers were the stars of the show in the first half, both stopping well, but the turning point came on 15 minutes when Lautaro Martinez struck at the near post to make it 3-0 aggregate.
Here are the player ratings for the second leg at the San Siro:
Mike Jones16 May 2023 22:04
FT Inter 1-0 Milan (3-0 AG)
Inter reached their sixth Champions League final, finishing joint eighth in the table:
Bayern Munich 11 (6 wins)
Inter 6 (3 wins so far…)
Mike Jones16 May 2023 22:00
Full-time: Inter 1-0 Milan (3-0 AG)
90+3 mins: The whistle goes to full-time and Inter Milan are into the Champions League final! It was their first time reaching the European showpiece since winning the tournament in 2010.
Can they lift the trophy again?
The damage was done in the first leg, but Lautaro Martinez scored in the second half tonight.
Indeed Inter were the better side over both legs and fully deserved to go through.
Mike Jones16 May 2023 21:52
Inter 1-0 Milan (3-0 AG)
90 minutes: Three minutes of extra time to play.
Mike Jones16 May 2023 21:51
Inter 1-0 Milan (3-0 AG)
86 mins: Laudaro Martinez and Niccolo Parella are sent off by Simone Inzaghi, with Roberto Cagliardini and Joaquin Correa introduced in the last few minutes.
The Inter Milan manager is now thinking about the final and does not want to risk both of his starters on yellow cards.
Mike Jones16 May 2023 21:44
„Całkowity introwertyk. Nieprzejednany specjalista od sieci. Przyjazny fanatyk bekonu. Student ekstremalnych. Miłośnik piwa. Organizator.”