Inter sealed a spot within the Champions League quarter-finals with an intense 2-1 residence victory in opposition to Feyenoord. Simone Inzaghi’s aspect had set one foot within the final eight with a 2-0 first-leg win in Rotterdam, however the job was solely half completed earlier than tonight.
Like at De Kuip, Marcus Thuram opened the scoring within the first half. Nevertheless, tonight’s purpose was particular as he danced previous a number of Feyenoord defenders earlier than hammering the ball into the highest nook. But, the Nerazzurri did not defend their slender lead earlier than halftime.
Defensive stalwart Francesco Acerbi conceded an affordable penalty towards the top of the primary half. Jakub Moder made no mistake from the spot, handing Robin Van Persie’s aspect a combating likelihood within the second half. However Feyenoord’s dream of a comeback vanished solely 5 minutes after the break.
Mehdi Taremi went down contained in the Dutch aspect’s penalty space, with Hakan Calhanoglu changing the ensuing penalty to place the ultimate nail in Feyenoord’s coffin. With out additional ado, let’s take a look at our Inter participant rankings.
Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 6.5
Again between the sticks after thumb surgical procedure, the Swiss veteran confirmed no indicators of rustiness as he pulled off a number of first rate saves however couldn’t cease Moder’s penalty.
Yann Bisseck – 7
Swooped in for Alessandro Bastoni on the left, the German defender loved a near-spotless recreation, making quite a few essential interceptions and blocks.
Francesco Acerbi – 6
A participant of his high quality and expertise ought to’ve identified higher than conceding an affordable penalty that would’ve modified the course of this tie.
Benjamin Pavard – 6.5
Following a dismal efficiency in opposition to Monza, the Frenchman returned to his ordinary finest, residing as much as the duty each defensively and offensively.
Denzel Dumfries – 7
It looks like he can by no means run out of steam. The Dutch wingback was omnipresent in assault whereas proving almost unbeatable on the again.
Davide Frattesi – 6.5
Inter followers could have anticipated extra from Nicolo Barella’s inheritor, however a scarcity of standard first-team soccer took its toll because the Italian midfielder delivered a mediocre exhibiting.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 6.5
Feyenoord could not have gotten the penalty had he been extra cautious when Acerbi dedicated a foolish foul contained in the field. Nevertheless, he atoned with a well-taken penalty.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7
The Armenian was the driving pressure in Inter’s midfield this night, finishing quite a few ahead runs whereas by no means giving freely possession.
Carlos Augusto – 7.5
Inzaghi may be pleased with the Brazilian’s exhibiting, because the ex-Monza star was almost unplayable on the left, inflicting Feyenoord’s protection all types of hassle.
Marcus Thuram – 7.5
The purpose was a bit of artwork, showcasing simply how talismanic the French celebrity may be when match and firing. He virtually doubled his tally early within the second half, however his thunderous shot flew simply over the bar.
Mehdi Taremi – 6.5
Regardless of drawing one other clean within the Inter shirt, the Iranian striker drew a vital penalty to kill off this tie. His work ethic was commendable.
Substitutes
Kristjan Asllani – 6
Alessandro Bastoni – 6.5
Marko Arnautovic – 6