Inter Milan took a firm step towards the Champions League quarterfinals with a 2-0 win over Feyenoord at De Kuip. In a match where the Dutch had moments of dominance, the Italians were able to resist and strike at key moments thanks to the quality of Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez. The 'Nerazzurri' effectiveness and defensive solidity were the keys to overcome a difficult challenge in a stadium that pushed hard from the start.
Feyenoord's Push And Inter's Patience
From the opening whistle, Feyenoord made it clear that they were not going to be an easy opponent. With their fans in full swing, the team led by Robin van Persie started with intensity, imposing their rhythm and pressing high. For the first 35 minutes, the Dutch dominated the game, with Moussa and Hadj Moussa generating danger on the flanks and Paixão managing the tempo in midfield.
Inter, for their part, looked uncomfortable in the early stages. Without a defined left-back, the visitors struggled to contain their opponents' attacks. The defense, led by Alessandro Bastoni and Benjamin Pavard, had to work hard to prevent Feyenoord from opening the scoring. However, despite the local push, Simone Inzaghi's team was able to resist the siege without conceding goals.
Goalkeeper Josep Martínez played a key role in this stretch, preventing the Dutch from taking the lead. In the 10th minute, Paixão tried a low shot that forced a great save from the Spanish goalkeeper. Later, Moder came close to scoring with a shot that hit the crossbar. But Inter was able to hold on and wait for its moment.
Thuram And Lautaro Change The Match
The Italian team took their first big chance with surgical precision. In the 35th minute, Nicolò Barella's measured cross found Marcus Thuram inside the box. The French striker controlled with quality and, with a subtle outside touch, beat Wellenreuther to make the score 0-1. A lethal blow for Feyenoord, who had controlled the game until then, but were punished by Inter's punch.
Before the break, Inzaghi's team could have increased the lead with a dangerous free kick by Kristjan Asllani, which went just past the post. Lautaro Martinez also came close to scoring, but the Feyenoord goalkeeper saved the second goal with a great save.
After the break, however, Inter struck again. In the 52nd minute, Lautaro received a pass inside the box after a series of rebounds and, without hesitation, shot into the top corner of the net. It was 0-2 and the tie was beginning to tilt clearly in favor of the Italians.
Missed Chances And A Missed Penalty Kick
Feyenoord did not give up despite the disadvantage and sought to close the gap. Moder tried again with a shot that hit the crossbar, creating one of the best chances for the home side. However, Inter's well-organized defense, backed up by a confident Josep Martinez, thwarted Van Persie's side.
The game could have been all but settled when the referee, after reviewing the VAR, awarded Inter a penalty for a foul on Thuram in the 61st minute. Zielinski took the spot kick, but his shot was saved by Wellenreuther, who kept Feyenoord alive with a great intervention.
Despite this missed chance, Inter intelligently managed the final stretch of the match. Inzaghi made changes to reinforce the defense and control the pace of the game, securing a result that leaves the Italian team in an unbeatable position for the second leg at the Giuseppe Meazza.
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Result Leaves Inter With One and a Half Feet in the Quarterfinals
With this victory, Inter is emerging as a clear favorite to advance to the next round of the Champions League. Their defensive solidity, the work in the midfield and the offensive quality of Thuram and Lautaro made the difference in a match where Feyenoord tried, but lacked the necessary forcefulness.
Van Persie's side will need a heroic performance in Italy to turn the tie around. Meanwhile, Inter, the only Serie A representatives in the competition, showed that they are ready to continue competing at the highest European level. With an advantage on the scoreboard and the backing of their fans, the 'Nerazzurri' will be looking to seal their qualification at home and continue their path in the Champions League.
