Simone Inzaghi’s tactical masterclass and a late Lautaro Martínez strike seal 2-1 aggregate victory, sending Inter Milan to the last eight.
Match Summary
Inter Milan edged Feyenoord 2-1 on aggregate in a gripping Champions League round-of-16 tie, with a 1-0 second-leg victory at San Siro on Wednesday. The Nerazzurri’s defense, marshaled by Alessandro Bastoni, stifled Feyenoord’s attacking threats, while Lautaro Martínez’s 78th-minute winner sparked euphoric celebrations
. The result underscores Inter’s resurgence under Simone Inzaghi, who has now guided the club to consecutive quarterfinals.
Tactical Battle and Key Moments
Inter adopted a pragmatic 3-5-2 formation, prioritizing defensive stability against Feyenoord’s high-pressing 4-3-3
. The first half was a cagey affair, with both sides exchanging half-chances. Feyenoord’s Bryan Linssen forced a sharp save from Andrei Radu in the 22nd minute, while Inter’s Federico Dimarco tested Justin Bijlow with a long-range effort
.
The breakthrough came when Martínez latched onto a through ball from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, slotting past Bijlow to ignite the home crowd
. Feyenoord pushed for an equalizer, but Inter’s midfield trio of Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and Mkhitaryan dominated possession, snuffing out counterattacks
.
Player Performances
- Lautaro Martínez (Inter) : The Argentine striker’s clinical finish proved decisive, taking his Champions League tally to 5 goals this season. His link-up play with Marcus Thuram also troubled Feyenoord’s backline .
- Alessandro Bastoni (Inter) : A defensive rock, Bastoni made 8 clearances and 3 interceptions, neutralizing Feyenoord’s Quincy Promes .
- Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord) : Despite the loss, the goalkeeper’s 5 saves kept Feyenoord in contention until the final whistle .
Manager Reactions
Simone Inzaghi praised his team’s “resilience and tactical discipline,” highlighting the importance of “nullifying Feyenoord’s transitions”
. Feyenoord’s Arne Slot lamented missed chances, stating, “We lacked precision in critical moments”
.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Inter fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) with memes celebrating Martínez’s “golden touch,” while Feyenoord supporters lauded their team’s “gallant effort” despite elimination
. The hashtag #ForzaInter trended globally, reflecting the club’s growing European momentum
.
Broader Implications
Inter’s advancement reinforces their status as Serie A’s strongest Champions League contender, joining Napoli and Juventus in the last eight. For Feyenoord, the exit shifts focus to domestic dominance, where they lead the Eredivisie by 5 points
.
Looking Ahead
Inter awaits the quarterfinal draw, potentially facing Bayern Munich or Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Feyenoord’s technical director hinted at summer signings to bolster their squad, citing “unfinished business in Europe”