Inter defeated Milan 1-0 (3-0 on aggregate) at the San Siro to set up the first leg of the Champions League final. Despite the return of Rafael Leao, Milan remained powerless during the match. Inter kept their attacks before them and got a goal from Lautaro Martinez to put them through. Romelu Lukaku entered the game in the 66th minute against a fatigued Milan team. It took him only eight minutes to assist Martinez for the opening goal.
One year after winning the Scudetto, Milan was one step away from reaching the Champions League final. And if they didn’t make it, they might miss the competition entirely. Meanwhile, Inter has won eight consecutive games and has secured their place in Istanbul.
While Inter should be praised for their defensive strength. And an effective game plan that kept Theo Hernandez and Leao at bay, Milan must address some questions. Before the game, Pioli stated, “Nobody thinks Milan can reach the UCL final, but we believe.”
Milan Backup Plan Failed
With two goals on aggregate and only five shots in a must-win game, it’s difficult to believe Pioli. Inter is the better team and will travel to Istanbul. But when Milan needed to send everything forward. They passed around the defence and then played the ball hopelessly forward when Leao couldn’t move into space.
Looking for your greatest player is usually acceptable. But Milan had no backup plan when that plan failed. If Leao’s first-half attempt hadn’t been deflected wide, things might have been different. But the team as a whole needed to show more fight. Especially in a derby match played in the shared San Siro. Falling back this far after winning the Scudetto is one of the reasons the club will embark on a key summer renovation. While Inter is being rewarded for their excellent season.
Martinez has struggled to finish for Inter, but he is always present when the club needs him the most. His combination with Lukaku helped Inter win the Scudetto. And has now helped them reach the Champions League final. They’ll face Manchester City or Real Madrid in a game where they’ll be underdogs. But after their string of sweeping victories, Inter can’t be written off.