Inter Milan's Commanding Victory Over Feyenoord Sets the Tone for Champions League Quarter-Finals
Inter Milan took a significant step towards the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over Feyenoord in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash on March 5, 2025.
Path to the Round of 16:
Inter Milan advanced to this stage after topping their group, demonstrating consistent form throughout the group matches.
Feyenoord, under the new leadership of Robin van Persie, earned their spot by overcoming AC Milan in the knockout play-offs, marking a significant achievement for the Dutch side.
Match Overview:
The encounter at De Kuip Stadium began with Feyenoord pressing energetically, aiming to capitalize on their home advantage. However, Inter's experience and tactical discipline allowed them to weather the early storm and gradually impose their rhythm on the game.
Key Moments:
- 38th Minute: Marcus Thuram showcased his athleticism by converting Nicolò Barella's precise cross with an acrobatic volley, giving Inter the lead.
- 50th Minute: Lautaro Martínez doubled the advantage, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to score his sixth goal of the competition, making him Inter's all-time leading scorer in the Champions League.
- 63rd Minute: Inter had an opportunity to extend their lead further when they were awarded a penalty. However, Piotr Zieliński's attempt was saved by Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther, keeping the scoreline at 2-0.
Match Statistics:
- Possession: Feyenoord 42% - 58% Inter Milan
- Shots on Target: Feyenoord 5 - 7 Inter Milan
- Corners: Feyenoord 7 - 4 Inter Milan
- Fouls Committed: Feyenoord 15 - 6 Inter Milan
Post-Match Reactions:
- Simone Inzaghi (Inter Milan Coach): Expressing satisfaction with the result, Inzaghi praised his team's resilience and the effective contributions from both starters and substitutes. He acknowledged Feyenoord's challenging play and emphasized the importance of maintaining focus for the return leg.
- Robin van Persie (Feyenoord Coach): Facing a tough managerial debut in the Champions League, van Persie remained optimistic despite the setback. He recognized the need for growth and expressed confidence in his team's potential to learn and improve from the experience.
- Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan Forward): Reflecting on his record-breaking goal in becoming Inter's top scorer in the Champions League, Martínez expressed pride in his achievement and gratitude towards his teammates for their support. He emphasized the collective effort and the team's ambition to progress further in the competition.
- Timon Wellenreuther (Feyenoord Goalkeeper): Wellenreuther, who saved a penalty to keep his team in the match, expressed disappointment with the result but remained hopeful for a turnaround in the second leg.
Looking Ahead:
The second leg is scheduled for March 11 at San Siro in Milan.
Inter will aim to capitalize on their two-goal advantage, while Feyenoord faces the challenging task of overturning the deficit to keep their Champions League aspirations alive.