Inter Milan 1-0 Porto: Substitute Romelu Lukaku scores late in first leg after Otavio sees red for visitors

Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to score a late winner as Inter overcame a resilient Porto in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash at San Siro.

Porto looked like they would frustrate the Serie A side but their task grew more difficult when Otavio was sent off and eventually Inter’s pressure paid when Lukaku – a second-half substitute – struck with four minutes remaining.

With both teams coming into this game in fine form, there had been considerable excitement ahead of kick-off, but it proved a cagey affair.

Inter, who have lost just once in 13 games, had the first chance when Lautaro Martinez peeled free at the far post but could only head Federico Dimarco’s cross over.

Targeting a 10th straight win, Porto were slow to start but almost broke the deadlock when Andre Onana pulled off a fine save with his feet to keep out Marko Gruijic’s powerful effort, and from the rebound Galeno failed to hit the target.

The hosts thought they had a strong case for a penalty when Matteo Darmian went down inside the box under pressure from Galeno, but there was nothing doing. On the stroke of half-time, Alessandro Bastoni’s glancing header forced a fine reaction save from Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Barella fired agonisingly wide after the restart, and, at the opposite end, Inter goalkeeper Onana pulled off a double save to deny Taremi and then Zaidu.

With time running out, the Nerazzurri pushed for a winner, introducing Lukaku from the bench and the Belgium international had an immediate impact, setting up a chance for Barella who shot just over.

Porto’s task grew more difficult when midfielder Otavio was sent off for a second bookable offence and the visitors would pay a heavy price when eventually Inter found a way through courtesy of Lukaku’s late goal. After hitting the post from Denzel Dumfries’ cross, he remained composed to slot in the rebound to ensure Inter take a slender lead to Portugal for the second leg on March 14.

Talking point – Lukaku is still Inter’s Mr Dependable

It’s fair to say that things haven’t gone to plan for Lukaku since he returned to San Siro, with injuries reducing him to just 13 appearances this term. However, with two goals in his last 40 minutes of Champions League action, the 29-year-old – despite concerns about his fitness – is proving he’s still the man for the big occasions.

Lukaku was made to bide his time to make an impact after being named as a substitute, with Edin Dzeko given the nod instead. The Bosnian failed to influence the game, whereas Lukaku was immediately involved with his build-up play and delivered the key moment. Undoubtedly, Inter were also aided by the red card shown to Otavio, and Porto head coach Sergio Conceiceo will be incensed by his forward’s naivety.

There is still a long way to go in the tie, but Inter must now be favourites to make it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2011.

Player of the match – Romelu Lukaku (Inter)

He may have only been on the pitch for just over 30 minutes but Lukaku was the difference maker. Could this goal prove to be the turning point in his season?

Player ratings

Inter: Onana 8, Skriniar 6, Acerbi 6, Bastoni 6, Darmian 6, Barella 7, Calhanoglu 7, Mkhitaryan 6, Dimarco 7, Martinez 6, Dzeko 5.. Subs: Dumfries N/A, Gosens 6, Brozovic 5, Lukaku 8*.

Porto: Costa 7, Mario 6, Pepe 6, Marcano 6, Sanusi 6, Otavio 5, Uribe 7, Grujic 7, Galeno 6, Taremi 6, Pepe 7.. Subs: Wendell N/A, Evanilson 5, Borges N/A.

Match highlights

35’ – GOOD SAVE AND A BIG MISS! The biggest chance of the night so far falls to Porto! Taremi’s back-heel flick sets up Gruijic, who shoots first-time powerfully at goal, and Onana makes the save with his leg! From the rebound, Galeno failed to hit the target.

38’ – VAR SAYS NO PENALTY! Galeno makes contact with Darmian inside the box and the Inter man goes down hurt. The referee has a decision to make and says no penalty. VAR is having a look… and doesn’t overturn it!

45’+2 – WHAT A SAVE! Zaidu commits a foul and Inter have a free-kick on the right flank. Dimarco whips it in, it’s flicked on by Bastoni and Costa makes a terrific reaction one-handed save to keep it out!

57′ – DOUBLE ONANA SAVE! Taremi’s side-footed effort is kept out by Onana and the Inter goalkeeper gets up quickly to keep out Zaidu’s shot on the rebound! Porto piling on the pressure now!

78′ – RED CARD! Porto are down to 10! Otavio clips the ankle of Calhanoglu, he’s shown a second yellow card and he’s off!

86′ – GOAL! INTER 1-0 PORTO (ROMELU LUKAKU): Lukaku breaks the deadlock, finally! With four minutes remaining, Inter’s substitute finds a way through. Dumfries delivers a fine cross, Lukaku has a free header which he sees crash off the post, but he keeps his composure to slot home the rebound!

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