Soccer

Inter Milan in strong position to book semi-final slot after daring Benfica raid

Second-half goals from Nicolo Barella and a penalty from Romelu Lukaku secured win in Lisbon

Romelu Lukaku celebrates with his Inter Milan team-mates after scoring his side's second goal from the penalty spot in the Champions League quarter-final, first leg against Benfica. Photograph: Carlos Costa/AFP via Getty Images
Romelu Lukaku celebrates with his Inter Milan team-mates after scoring his side's second goal from the penalty spot in the Champions League quarter-final, first leg against Benfica. Photograph: Carlos Costa/AFP via Getty Images
Tue Apr 11 2023 - 22:17

Benfica 0 Inter Milan 2

Inter Milan struck in the second half through Nicolo Barella and Romelu Lukaku for a 2-0 win at Benfica in their Champions League quarter-final, first leg on Tuesday which put them on course for a first last-four appearance since they won the trophy in 2010.

Barella headed home firmly at the back post in the 51st minute, rising unchallenged to get on the end of a superb cross from centre back Alessandro Bastoni, who was storming up the left side and delivered a pinpoint ball.

Substitute Lukaku then converted an 82nd-minute penalty after VAR referred a handball by Benfica skipper Joao Mario for review by English referee Michael Oliver, who gave the spot kick after looking at the video monitor on the side of the pitch.

The two goals hand Inter a major advantage for the return leg at San Siro next Wednesday, where they will be heavily fancied to progress to an all-Italian semi-final against either neighbours AC Milan or Napoli.