Inter 2-0 Milan: Dzeko and Mkhitaryan score in quick succession to take the lead into 2nd leg

Inter have put one foot into the finals of the Champions League, defeating their local rivals, Milan 2-0 in the semi-final first leg. The Nerazzurri were on the front foot right from the get-go, while the designated home side almost looked unprepared early on in the game.

Defensively, it was a very poor performance from Stefano Pioli’s men, who were lucky to have only conceded two. Edin Dzeko became the second ever 37-year-old to score in a Champions League semifinal after Ryan Giggs. He got his foot to a corner, with Davide Calabria’s marking inadequate to hold the tall Bosnian as he opened the scoring. 

Inter take advantage heading into UCL semifinal against Milan 

Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the second, tearing through Milan’s defense as if it didn’t exist. It was two goals in two minutes for the black and blue side of Milano, and it looked like they could score many more. However, the Rossoneri managed to regain some composure and tightened up the defence after conceding the second goal.

Inter, on the other hand, barely allowed the opposition to test Andre Onana, with Olivier Giroud effectively marked out of the game. Milan were able to create more chances in the second half, but none of them were able to threaten the keeper adequately. 

While Inter will have much more confidence heading into the second leg, a two-goal lead is not decisive. AC Milan can still turn things around, and they will benefit from a returning Rafael Leao. However, they will have to show their determination right from the beginning to really overturn the deficit and book a spot in the finals.