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Marko Arnautović scored Inter's victory
Photo: Gabriel Bouys / AFP
Last year's finalists Inter Milan have taken a first step towards the Champions League quarter-finals thanks to Marko Arnautović. The Italians, who played with mourning ribbon in honor of the late Andreas Brehme, defeated Atlético Madrid 1-0 (0-0). Substitute Arnautović scored the goal in the 79th minute to secure a deserved victory.
Before kick-off, the spectators in Milan applauded Brehme. The former world champion played for Inter from 1988 to 1992, which is why the Milan team wore mourning. Brehme died of cardiac arrest on Tuesday night.
In a tough first leg of the round of 16 for a long time, the spectators in Milan only saw a few highlights - but when they did, Inter offered them. Captain Lautaro Martínez (36th/38th) had two good opportunities to take the lead in the first half alone.
Arnautović with chance after chance
Arnautović in particular had the best chances. But once the Austrian aimed over it (49'), another time he shot past Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak (63').
Shortly before the end, the former Bundesliga professional did better. Oblak fended off a shot from Martínez at his feet and the attacker scored the winning goal from a tight angle. The second leg will take place on March 13th in Madrid.
cev/dpa