Robin Gosens’ brief hug couldn’t cheer Roger Schmidt up.
Inter Milan’s Germany international was one of the first to high five with the Benfica coach before Schmidt walked across the Estádio da Luz pitch with his hands in his pockets. Due to the 0:2 (0:0) against the Italians, the 56-year-old and Portugal’s record champions have little chance of reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time.
“They took their few chances. I think we had the same number of chances but we didn’t take them. That’s the story of the game,” said the disappointed coach.
In fact, Inter used their opportunities extremely effectively. The Italian national soccer player Nicolò Barella (53rd minute) with a header and Romelu Lukaku (82nd) ??with a penalty kick scored the goals for the Italians, who were able to celebrate a success again after six competitive games without a win. “Of course I’m happy. But Benfica are a team that can always cause us problems. Nothing is decided,” said Inter coach Simone Inzaghi.
Second loss in a row
After losing 2-1 in the top game against Porto, it was Benfica’s second defeat in a row – a novelty under Schmidt. The second leg takes place in Milan next week on Wednesday. Can Benfica win there? “Of course,” said Schmidt.
Rafa Silva (16′) had the best chance in the first half, but his shot from close range was blocked by Inter goalkeeper André Onana. Otherwise, a tough game developed in front of 62,610 spectators. Without the suspended defender Nicolás Otamendi, Benfica looked vulnerable in defence, but the visitors initially failed to create clear scoring opportunities.
That changed after the change of sides when Inter took control. After a wonderful cross from Alessandro Bastoni, Barella headed the 1-0 from a tight angle. In a similar way, it almost made it 2-0: again Bastoni (78th) crossed from the half field, this time Denzel Dumfries headed in – but Benfica keeper Odisseas Vlachodimos fended off. Substitute Lukaku finally made the decision with a hand penalty, which referee Michael Oliver gave after viewing the video images.
