Inter Milan progressed to the Champions League semifinals after securing a 3-3 draw against Benfica, leading to a 5-3 aggregate win.
The team will now face cross-town rivals AC Milan in a highly anticipated match for a spot in the final. This will be the first time an Italian team has made it to the final in six years.
Lautaro Martinez, who broke his 10-game goalless streak by scoring Inter’s second goal against Benfica, expressed his pride in representing Inter and contributing to the team’s resurgence. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming Milan derby in the Champions League semi-finals, saying, “We all know what this game means.”
Inter showcased their dominance over Benfica, playing a determined game to protect their lead. With a 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Portugal, Inter focused on counter-attacking opportunities.
Nicolo Barella scored the opening goal for Inter 13 minutes into the match after playing a one-two with Lautaro Martinez, finishing with a left-footed shot into the top corner. Benfica’s Fredrik Aursnes equalized in the 38th minute, but Martinez and Joaquin Correa netted close-range goals, giving Inter a 3-1 lead after halftime.
Despite the deficit, Benfica persevered, with Antonio Silva and Petar Musa scoring late goals to secure a draw for the Portuguese side. AC Milan has previously triumphed over Inter Milan in the Champions League knockout stages, winning in the 2002-03 semi-finals and the 2004-05 quarter-final
