Inter Cruise Past Feyenoord and Head Home with a Comfortable Lead
Inter became the third team to claim an away victory in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. Under head coach Simone Inzaghi, the Italian side proved too much for Feyenoord, securing a 2–0 win in Rotterdam.
True to their methodical style, Inter seemed in no rush, allowing Feyenoord a semblance of freedom—and even a couple of half-chances—before striking decisively. After a cross from the right flank, Marcus Thuram muscled past his marker in the box, neatly controlled the ball, and fired it home in a single fluid move. The crowd reaction showed more than a few supporters needed a moment to realize what had just happened.
Early in the second half, Piotr Zielinski almost put his name on the score sheet from the edge of the penalty area, only for a defender to block the shot. However, the ball fell back to him, and this time he opted to set up Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine striker gave the Feyenoord goalkeeper, Timon Wellenreuther, no chance, doubling Inter’s lead.
Shortly after, Piotr Zielinski had a golden opportunity to extend the advantage from the penalty spot, but Timon Wellenreuther expertly denied his low shot. Although Feyenoord worked hard to respond, their efforts only sufficed to avoid a heavier defeat on home soil. The tie now shifts to Milan, where Inter will look to capitalize on their two-goal cushion.
2024-25 UEFA Champions League
Feyenoord - Inter 0:2 (0:1)
Goals: Thuram M., 38 (0:1); Martínez L., 50 (0:2)
Feyenoord: Wellenreuther; Beelen; Hancko; Mitchell; Smal; Moder; Osman I.; Hadj Moussa; Bueno H.; Carranza (Ueda A., 59); Paixao
Bench: Andreev P.; Plug; Giersthove; 't Zand; Ivanusec; Redmond Z.
Yellow Cards: Wellenreuther 71; Mitchell 74; Osman I. 77
Inter: Martínez J-p; Acerbi; Bastoni; de Vrij (Bisseck, 72); Dumfries; Pavard; Asllani K. (Çalhanoğlu, 81); Barella (Frattesi, 72); Zielinski P.; Martínez L. (Arnautovic, 81); Thuram M. (Taremi, 62)
Bench: Sommer; Aidoo M.; Motta; Mkhitaryan
Yellow Cards: Bastoni 74; Arnautovic 96
