Inter Milan Takes First Leg Victory over Porto in Champions League Round of 16 Clash

On 22nd February 2023, Inter Milan hosted Porto in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash. The match was highly anticipated, with both teams coming into the game with great recent form. The visitors, Porto, had won their last 10 matches in a row and currently sit second in the Portuguese league. Similarly, Inter Milan is currently second in Serie A, having won 7 out of their last 9 games.

Despite the two sides' great form, the game lacked goals and the deadlock was broken 5 minutes before the end as substitute Romelu Lukaku finished to give the Italians the lead in the tie. The game did not lack chances, with Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu missing great chances in the first half. However, Porto did not do themselves any favours as midfielder Otavio was shown a second yellow card in the 78th minute, and Lukaku punished them six minutes later by scoring the decisive goal.

Inter Milan now takes a 1-0 lead to the Estadio Do Dragao in 3 weeks’ time, but the tie is certainly not over! Porto has shown in their recent games that they have the ability to bounce back and turn the match around. Inter Milan will need to stay focused and ensure they do not concede an away goal if they want to progress to the next round.

The first leg of the Champions League round of 16 clash between Inter Milan and Porto was an exciting match, with both teams giving it their all. While Inter Milan managed to secure a 1-0 victory, the second leg promises to be an equally thrilling match. Only time will tell who will progress to the next round of the competition.