Inter Milan advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals after defeating Feyenoord 2-1 for a 4-1 aggregate victory. Goals from Marcus Thuram and Hakan Calhanoglu, who scored a penalty, secured their progression. Inter, currently leading Serie A, aims to replicate the treble achieved under Jose Mourinho. Coach Simone Inzaghi emphasized the team’s commitment to winning every match as they prepare to face Bayern Munich, who eliminated Bayer Leverkusen. Despite facing injury concerns, Inzaghi hopes to have his key players fit for the crucial clashes. Feyenoord’s run ended despite a brief comeback attempt after Jakub Moder’s penalty.
Inter Milan is set to clash with Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals after overcoming Feyenoord with a 2-1 win on Tuesday, wrapping up a comfortable 4-1 aggregate victory. An early powerful strike from Marcus Thuram, alongside Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty at the San Siro, ensured Inter’s progression to the last eight, where they will meet Bayern Munich in a highly anticipated showdown. Leading Serie A, there are discussions in Italy regarding Simone Inzaghi’s squad potentially achieving a treble, reminiscent of the league, Italian Cup, and Champions League triumphs orchestrated by Jose Mourinho 15 years ago.
“It’s not about believing or not believing (in the treble); when you’re at Inter, every game is played to win. Winning every match leads to great accomplishments,” stated Thuram.
Bayern will be the next challenge for Inter after they eliminated Bayer Leverkusen, who had previously defeated Inter during the league phase.
Inzaghi is optimistic about having his strongest lineup available for the crucial matches ahead, as Inter aims to improve upon their 2023 performance when they fell to Manchester City in the Champions League final.
“It will be a tough match. They are a solid side with excellent coaching, but we will approach it as we have against every opponent, competing fiercely against other top teams,” remarked Inzaghi.
“I hope to have everyone available for the tie… We had to bring on two players from the youth squad towards the end, and I reminded them they’ll need to support us as we are a bit short right now.”
Feyenoord’s deepest venture in Europe’s premier club competition in years concluded disappointingly, though they appeared to rejuvenate the match momentarily when Jakub Moder converted a penalty just three minutes before halftime.
Inter could have easily secured a larger margin of victory, as they squandered several key opportunities, with Thuram striking the crossbar just moments before receiving thunderous applause as he was substituted with 19 minutes to go.
No surprises
The hosts were already in control following their dominant first leg in Rotterdam, but Thuram ensured there would be no surprises early in the eighth minute.
The French forward received a pass from Carlos Augusto on the left and sped towards goal, cutting inside onto his right foot and unleashing a powerful shot that was beyond Timon Wellenreuther’s reach.
This goal made it incredibly difficult for Feyenoord, who are now managed by former Netherlands striker Robin van Persie. Even with 11 players sidelined due to injuries or suspensions, his team demonstrated resilience.
Before Thuram’s opener, Simone Inzaghi’s 200th match as Inter’s coach was largely quiet, aside from sporadic chants from the 5,000 traveling fans, as the home supporters remained silent for the first 20 minutes in protest of rising ticket prices.
Inzaghi faced several key absences, including Italy wing-back Federico Dimarco, and opted to rest star striker Lautaro Martinez along with Nicolo Barella, Francesco Acerbi, and Alessandro Bastoni, with a crucial match against Serie A rivals Atalanta approaching this weekend.
It was a regular contributor, Calhanoglu, who provided Feyenoord a way back into the match in the 38th minute, clumsily fouling Moder and granting the Polish midfielder a chance to equalize on the night.
However, Calhanoglu redeemed himself by converting from the spot just five minutes after halftime, following what appeared to be a soft foul on Mehdi Taremi by Thomas Beelen.
“It was a questionable penalty, perhaps awarded too easily. There didn’t seem to be much contact,” Van Persie commented to reporters.
“The players worked exceptionally hard and defended well at times. While we could have improved in some situations, we were facing a very strong team that plays quality football.
“The boys gave it their all; I couldn’t have asked for more from them.”
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Topics mentioned in this article