Inter Milan clinched a narrow victory in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening (February 20, 2024). Marko Arnautovic was spot on after a save from Atletico keeper Oblak.
The Italians narrowly won 1-0, with Arnatovic scoring in the 79th minute. This means that a draw in the second leg on March 13th in the Spanish capital would be enough for last year’s finalists to advance.
Before kick-off, the spectators in Milan applauded Andreas Brehme farewell. The former world champion played for Inter from 1988 to 1992, which is why the Milan team wore mourning. Brehme died of cardiac arrest on Tuesday night.
Inter determines the game against Atletico
Inter dominated the game, Atletico defended with concentration and uncompromising as usual. Chances to score were rare. It took until the 36th minute before Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak had to intervene for the first time with a header from Lautaro Martinez. Just two minutes later, the Argentine world champion missed the game’s first top-class chance after a clever pass from ex-Gladbach player Marcus Thuram.
After the break, Inter increased the pressure, but Atletico continued to hold firm. Substitute Arnautovic had the lead for the Nerazzurri, but after a one-two with Martinez he put the ball over the crossbar (64′). Then the Austrian dusted himself off after Oblak blocked a shot from Martinez right at his feet.