Last year’s finalist Inter Milan created a good starting position for the second leg in the Champions League round of 16 against Atletico Madrid. The narrow victory in San Siro at home was deserved due to the larger proportion of the game – but had to be endured.
In the end, a man who could have become a scapegoat was celebrated as the match winner: Marko Arnautovic. The Austrian came into the game after the break in place of the injured Marcus Thuram.
The storming oldie didn’t need a long start-up time and was able to put himself in the spotlight right away. However, Arnautovic could not properly control a cross from Federico Dimarco and put the ball clearly over the goal of Atletico goalie Jan Oblak (49′).
Legend:
Needed several attempts to score
Marko Arnautovic.
imago images/Sportimage
It wasn’t until the 79th minute that the knot broke
The 34-year-old failed even more clearly after an hour had passed. After he had skilfully played through the one-two with Lautaro Martinez, he aimed too high again alone in front of Oblak.
Arnautovic also owed the fact that luck turned his way to a misfire by Atletico defender Reinildo, who made a serious mistake in midfield. Oblak was able to fend off Martinez’s shot, but he was powerless to counter Arnautovic’s follow-up shot (79′).
Summer with a clean slate again
The Italian league leaders started off cautiously, but then steadily improved. Atletico, on the other hand, did not barricade themselves in defense, but Yann Sommer in the Inter goal hardly had to survive any difficult situations.
Before the opening goal, the Nati goalie risked his life against the rushing Marcos Llorente and was hit in the upper body by the Spaniard. In the final phase, a header from substitute Alvaro Morata narrowly missed the target. However, Sommer was not forced to make any brilliant parades during the 90 minutes. This is the 21st time he has kept a clean sheet across all competitions this season. The second leg in Madrid will take place in three weeks on March 13th.