Milan Double Quarter-Finals!
AC Milan’s success in the Champions League is not the only thing that excites fans in Milan. Inter Milan also secured a spot in the last eight of the competition, marking their first appearance since 2011. Despite a 0-0 draw at FC Porto, the Italian team progressed after their 1-0 win in the first leg.
Löw Prevented National Coaching Plan with Klopp
Germany’s national coaching plan with Jurgen Klopp has fallen through. Joachim Löw was set to collaborate with Klopp but prevented the move from happening.
Whiff of World Cup Final in the Game
There’s a sense of excitement in the air as Szymon Marciniak (42) leads the match. The Polish referee previously officiated the World Cup final between Argentina and France in 2018.
Inter Coach Makes Changes
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi makes five changes from the previous game. Keeper Handanovic, the injured German international Gosens (Wade), d’Ambrosio, Brozovic, and Lukaku start. Onana, Dumfries, Dimarco, Calhanoglu, and ex-Wolfsburg player Dzeko also take to the field.
Porto Has New Additions
Porto has several new players on the field: Marcano, Pepê, Uribe, Evanilson, Taremi, and Galeno. Franco, Namaso, and Martinez sit on the bench while Pepe, Joao Mario, and Otavio are injured.
Exciting Moments on the Field
The match is filled with exciting moments from the start. Inter goalkeeper Onana makes a great save in minute 3, and in minute 21, Dzeko’s shot is saved. In the 41st minute, a strange scene unfolds when Dzeko is thrown to the ground, but the referee awards a free kick to Porto.
Inter coach and players besiege the World Cup referee at halftime, unhappy with his performance. In the 49th minute, Inters Dumfries goes down in a duel and pulls down his opponent’s pants, causing Galeno to demand a yellow card for the trouser grabber.
The final minutes of the game see Grujic held by Onana, Calhanoglu hammers the ball just over, and Dumfries clears on the line. Taremi heads the post for Porto, and Grujic heads it onto the bar. Porto’s Pepé receives a yellow-red card shortly before the end of the game.
In the end, Inter Milan secures their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
