The Italians, who have not reached the semi-finals since 2010, the year of their last C1 title, brought back the victory of Portugal thanks to a goal by Nicolo Barella on their first real opportunity at the beginning of the second half (1-0, 51st) then a disputed penalty converted by Romelu Lukaku (2-0, 82nd).

After the first ten minutes where the Nerazzurri hampered the Lisbon team with a high and aggressive pressing, the Eagles took control of the game. Florentino Luis tried his luck from distance, but his shot missed (13th).

Almost in the aftermath, Rafa Silva created the clearest opportunity of the first half. After a Grimaldo centre, Federico Dimarco pushed the ball directly onto the Portuguese attacking midfielder who unleashed a shot in the open area, his attempt being too much on Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana to hit the mark (16th).

By gradually accentuating the pace of the match, Benfica once again lacked precision when Joao Mario did not frame his strike (19th). Not very dangerous during the first half, Inter still sent a shiver through the boiling Estadio da Luz. Francesco Acerbi tried a very heavy strike more than 30 meters from the opposing box, the ball finishing just above the goals guarded by Odisseas Vlachodimos (26th).

Generous penalty

On the return from the dressing room, Benfica once again printed a sustained rhythm without finding the flaw in the compact defense of the Milanese. In full time, Roger Schmidt's men were surprised as soon as Inter managed to get out.

Romelu Lukaku has just doubled the bet for Inter Milan against Benfica in the Champions League at the Stade de la Luz, April 11, 2023 © PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP

On the left side, Alessandro Bastoni sent a long center to the second post where Nicolo Barella, free of any marking, had plenty of time to recover from an unstoppable cross header (1-0, 51st).

Benfica tried to react, but neither Gonçalo Ramos nor Fredrik Aursnes managed to recover the ball after a fumble in the open area (56th).

Then Inter missed the goal of the break when Henrikh Mkhitaryan lost his duel against Vlachodimos (66th).

In turn, the Eagles again harvested on a strike from Grimaldo once again next (73rd).

Having become more incisive in the last quarter of an hour, the Italians benefited from a generous penalty after recourse to VAR. On a centre by Denzel Dumfries, Joao Mario stretched out his arms to protect his face, but the referee of the match, Englishman Michael Oliver, pointed to the penalty spot.

Romelu Lukaku converted the offering with his left foot, while Vlachodimos started on the right side (2-0, 82nd).

The Portuguese tried to reduce the score, but Gonçalo Ramos stumbled on André Onana author of a beautiful save (90th + 4).

In a week in Italy, the task promises to be very complicated for Benfica: the Eagles have never beaten Inter Milan in European Cups.

© 2023 AFP