(Football news) Inter Milan had a 2 goal lead from the 1st leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter final. The 2nd leg at the San Siro was a thrilling encounter which saw Inter go through to the semi final for the first time since 2010. Simone Inzaghi once again preferred Edin Dzeko over Romelu Lukaku to play alongside Lautaro Martinez up front. Hakan Calhanoglu was left on the bench along with Robin Gosens and Danilo D’Ambrosio. Stefan de Vrij did recover from his injury to make it to the substitutes bench. Benfica on the other hand lined up in a 4-2-3-1 with Goncalo Ramos up front and Joao Mario in behind. 

In the 14th minute, Benfica’s chances took a significant hit as Nicola Barella gave Inter the lead with a sumptuous strike. Lautaro Martinez looked to have doubled Inter’s lead on the night in the 33rd minute as he headed home Edin Dzeko’s cross but the referee disallowed it for a foul. 5 minutes later Benfica equalised as Rafa Silva’s pinpoint cross was headed home by Fredrik Aursnes. The first half ended with Inter Milan 3-1 up on aggregate and Benfica responded by making an attacking substitution as David Neres came on for Gilberto Junior. Benfica had a bright start to the 2nd half but Inter soon regained control.

Lautaro Martinez scored in the 65th minute to make 4-1 to Inter on aggregate. 13 minutes later substitute Joaquin Correa scored another goal to give Inter a 5-1 aggregate lead. Benfica scored two consolation goals via Antonio Silva and Petar Musa to salvage a draw on the night but Inter Milan still comfortably won the tie. The semi final will now be the legendary Milan derby in a two legged affair at the San Siro. Both Inter Milan and AC Milan are not having the best of seasons in the league so there will be even more pressure on them. Inter’s defensive performance is a little bit of a concern but as a whole they outplayed Benfica across both legs.

Also read: Manchester City qualify for 3rd straight semi final with win over Bayern Munich