Inter Milan took a significant step toward the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-0 away win against Feyenoord in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday. Goals from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez gave the Italian side a strong advantage heading into the second leg in Milan.
The match, played at the iconic De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam, began with a high tempo. Inter controlled possession early on, but Feyenoord created the better chances. Ibrahim Osman, the 20-year-old Ghanaian winger on loan from Brighton, was a constant threat for the Dutch side. He forced Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez into two sharp saves in the opening minutes.
Despite Feyenoord’s early pressure, Inter found the breakthrough just before halftime. Thuram, receiving a well-placed cross from Nicolo Barella, finished brilliantly with the outside of his boot, putting the visitors ahead.
Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie, who recently took charge, would have hoped to keep his team in the contest. However, just five minutes into the second half, Lautaro Martinez doubled Inter’s lead with a powerful strike into the top corner, leaving Feyenoord with a difficult task.
The home side had opportunities to respond, with Jakub Moder coming close when his deflected shot skimmed the crossbar. Inter had a chance to extend their lead further when Jeyland Mitchell fouled Thuram in the box, leading to a penalty after a lengthy VAR review. However, Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther produced a fine save to deny Piotr Zielinski from the spot.
