In a high-stakes UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg encounter at Rotterdam’s De Kuip stadium, Inter Milan earned a 2-0 victory over Feyenoord.
Despite the home side’s early dominance, goals from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez placed them in a favorable position ahead of the return leg in Milan.
The match commenced with Feyenoord pressing high and controlling possession but they struggled to penetrate Inter’s well-organized defense. Inter, absorbing the pressure, relied on counter-attacks and patient build-up play.
The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Denzel Dumfries delivered a precise pass to Nicolò Barella, who then provided an excellent cross. Marcus Thuram met it with an acrobatic volley, giving Inter the lead against the run of play.
Buoyed by their lead, Inter began the second half with increased confidence. Just five minutes in, Lautaro Martínez received the ball at the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner, doubling Inter’s advantage.
Feyenoord attempted to respond, but their efforts were thwarted by Inter’s disciplined defense and the commanding presence of goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
Inter had a chance to extend their lead further when they were awarded a penalty after a foul on Martínez. However, Feyenoord’s goalkeeper, Timon Wellenreuther, made a crucial save to deny Piotr Zielinski’s spot-kick, keeping the scoreline at 2-0.
Inter’s two-away-goal advantage places them in a commanding position as they prepare to host Feyenoord at the San Siro. Feyenoord faces an uphill battle, needing to score at least twice without conceding to force extra time.
The winner of this matchup will advance to face either Bayern Munich or Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-finals, adding further significance to the forthcoming clash.
