Lautaro Martínez’s second-half goal sends Inter Milan to the Champions League final for the first time since 2010 after beating city rivals AC Milan 1-0 in the second leg of their semi-final tie on Tuesday. The Nerazzurri had a 2-0 lead from the first leg and Martinez’s goal in the 74th minute was enough to seal their passage to the final. Follow 12BETInfo today to get the latest in sports and more!
“We did a great job in both matches. The key was the group,” goalscorer Martínez told Sky Italia. “I had a similar experience at the World Cup: if you are united, you get to play these very important matches in the best possible way.” Confirm your account with 12BET to claim the latest promotion on top of your winnings today!
The match at the San Siro was a tense affair, with both teams creating chances but neither able to take them. Milan had the better of the first half and should have taken the lead when Edin Dzeko fired wide from close range. AC Milan improved after the break and had a chance to level when Brahim Diaz hit the post, but Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana denied.
However, Milan’s defense was shattered when Martinez exchanged passes with substitute Romelu Lukaku inside the box, then shifted the ball onto his left foot and beat Milan keeper Maignan at his near post with a powerful finish. Argentina’s World Cup winning-striker Martinez has now scored 25 goals in all competitions this season, his joint-most in a single campaign for the club
Milan pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but they were unable to find a way past Inter’s defense. The Nerazzurri held on for the win to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2010. The victory was their sixth European Cup/Champions League final, but only their second in the last 50 years, alongside 2009/10 when Jose Mourinho masterminded the treble before leaving to join Real Madrid.
The club has been in decline in recent years, but manager Simone Inzaghi have made few changes to the team that led them one step away from winning the biggest prize in European football. Inzaghi has been praised for his work at Inter, and he will be hoping to lead the club to victory in the final. Inter’s journey to the final has been impressive.
They started the season by winning the Supercoppa Italiana, reached the finals of the Coppa Italia, and they are now in the final of the Champions League. Despite missing the Serie A title, they managed to keep a place in the Champions League next season. Inter will now face the winner of the other semi-final between Manchester City and Real Madrid. The final will be played on June 10 in Istanbul.