March 15, (THEWILL) – Inter Milan held off a late FC Porto charge to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League after a goalless draw on Tuesday.
The Italian side managed to resist the Portuguese team’s attacks, with Andre Onana making a crucial fingertip save onto the woodwork and a goal-line clearance in stoppage time. Romelu Lukaku scored the only goal of the first leg, with Otavio sent off and thus suspended for the return fixture.
Both teams had early opportunities to score, with Matheus Uribe’s ferocious long-range strike narrowly missing the top corner and Eustaquio testing Onana at the near post. Edin Dzeko forced a tricky save, while Nicolò Barella and Mehdi Taremi missed promising chances.
Despite some close calls, Inter Milan managed to hold on to their lead until the end. Matteo Darmian received a yellow card after a dangerous counter-attack sparked by Barella’s misplaced pass, and Federico Dimarco made a desperate block on Evanilson.
Inter Milan lost Alessandro Bastoni to a thigh issue, but Dumfries made a vital goal-line clearance and Onana saved Taremi’s header onto the upright allowing the Milan club progress to the quarter-finals. Both teams play on Sunday with Braga hosting Porto while Inter welcome Juventus to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
