Inter pushed Simeone’s block and made the difference in the end. The Nerazzurri will go into the rematch in a more advantageous position

Inter Milan made it through to the opening eight of the Champions League, beating Atlético Madrid 1-0 at home. The only goal was scored by substitute Marko Arnautovic after the change of sides, after he himself wasted two great chances.

Marcus Thuram had the first chance of the game in the third minute, but his header was just wide of the Atlético goal. At the other end, Samuel Lino fired from just outside the box, his technical right-footed shot just missing the back post.

Atlético got into the game after a slower start, Inter were not dominant at home. The second part of the first half belonged essentially to Lautaro Martinez, firstly heading wide from long range after a volley.

In the 36th minute, the South American striker was in a better position, but his header only hit the centre of the net and the arms of Slovenian Jan Oblak. And three minutes later, the Argentine fired a third shot, this time hitting only the Atlético defender after a break from the edge of the box.

The first half was closed by Thurram’s finish, but he also failed to score and the game was scoreless. After the change of sides, substitute Marko Arnautovic had a chance in the 49th minute, but he slipped a shot over.

Inter secure their closest win in the second half

On the other side, Lino had a unique opportunity, but instead of passing to a free Alvaro Morata, he shot and missed. In the 64th minute, Arnautovic wasted another great chance, this time from a small area.

Inter’s pressure increased as the minutes ticked by, but Diego Simeone’s charges made their traditional sacrificial jump shots and held on for the draw. Even Martinez failed to react to his 77th minute header, Oblak even managed to catch the ball.

Two minutes later, San Siro were celebrating. Arnautovic headed into the half-covered net. The end did not offer any more chances, Atlético did not take advantage of their opportunities and Inter will go into the rematch with a one-goal lead.

Source: UEFA, Premier Sport