Düsseldorf (Germany) (AFP)
Inter Milan are solid! Jostled by Leverkusen, the vice-champion of Italy was able to maintain a lead acquired at the start of the match to qualify (2-1) for the semi-finals of the Europa League, of which he is the main favorite with Manchester United.
In a unique match in Düsseldorf behind closed doors, due to coronavirus, Inter made their power and experience speak for themselves.
The Italians quickly widened the gap thanks to Nicolo Barella (1-0, 15th), then by the Belgian colossus Romelu Lukaku (2-0, 21st), whose physical presence in the opposing area was again impressive.
But Leverkusen immediately managed to pick up thanks to his young 20-year-old prodigy Kai Havertz (2-1, 24th), and the Serie A runner-up lived until the end of the match under the threat of an equalizer.
Without VAR, however, Inter could have taken shelter, as Spanish referee Carlos del Cerro Grande whistled two penalties in his favor. But the game director canceled both penalties after going to check the video footage, allowing the Germans to stay in the game.
Finnish Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky also worked miracles to avoid the sinking in the first half.
Coach Antonio Conte's men will face the winner of the match between Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk and Swiss Basel Basel in the semi-final on Sunday (Tuesday 9 p.m.).
Winner of the European event for the last time in 1998, Inter arrives launched in this final tournament. The Milanese ended their Italian season in July on the hats of the wheel, with only one defeat in the last 12 days of Serie A after the post-coronavirus recovery in mid-June.
© 2020 AFP