Champions League: Inter Milan’ 2-0 victory over Feyenoord at De Kuip

In the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match on March 5, 2025, Inter Milan secured a 2-0 victory over Feyenoord at De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam. Goals from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez provided Inter with a significant advantage heading into the second leg at San Siro.

Match Overview

Feyenoord began the match with intensity, pressing high and creating early opportunities. Despite their efforts, they struggled to convert chances into goals. Inter Milan, demonstrating tactical discipline, absorbed the pressure and capitalized on key moments to secure the win.

Key Moments
1. Thuram’s Acrobatic Opener
In the 38th minute, against the run of play, Inter took the lead. A well-executed cross from Nicolò Barella found Marcus Thuram, who finished with an acrobatic volley, showcasing his agility and precision.
2. Martínez’s Record-Breaking Goal
Shortly after halftime, in the 50th minute, Lautaro Martínez doubled Inter’s lead. Capitalizing on a defensive lapse, Martínez fired a shot into the top corner, marking his 18th Champions League goal for Inter and becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer in the competition.
3. Penalty Miss
Inter had a chance to extend their lead further in the 63rd minute when they were awarded a penalty after Jeyland Mitchell fouled Thuram. Piotr Zieliński stepped up, but his attempt was saved by Feyenoord’s goalkeeper, Timon Wellenreuther, keeping the scoreline at 2-0.

Player Performances
• Inter Milan:
• Marcus Thuram: His opening goal shifted the momentum in Inter’s favor, and he consistently posed a threat to Feyenoord’s defense.
• Lautaro Martínez: Demonstrated clinical finishing and leadership, solidifying his status as a key player for Inter.
• Josep Martínez: The stand-in goalkeeper delivered a composed performance, effectively managing Feyenoord’s attacking threats.
• Feyenoord:
• Jakub Moder: Came close to scoring, hitting the crossbar, and was active in midfield transitions.
• Timon Wellenreuther: Despite the loss, his penalty save and multiple stops prevented a larger deficit.

Managerial Insights
• Simone Inzaghi (Inter Milan): Praised his team’s resilience and execution, acknowledging the tough challenge posed by Feyenoord. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus for the return leg.
• Robin van Persie (Feyenoord): In his Champions League managerial debut, he faced a challenging match. Despite the result, he remains optimistic about his team’s potential and is focused on preparing for the second leg.

Looking Ahead

Inter Milan’s two-goal advantage positions them favorably for the return leg at San Siro. Feyenoord faces a formidable challenge, needing a significant turnaround to progress. The second leg promises to be an intense encounter as both teams vie for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Match Statistics
• Possession: Feyenoord 45% – 55% Inter Milan
• Total Shots: Feyenoord 12 – 15 Inter Milan
• Shots on Target: Feyenoord 4 – 7 Inter Milan
• Corners: Feyenoord 5 – 6 Inter Milan
• Fouls Committed: Feyenoord 14 – 10 Inter Milan

Conclusion

Inter Milan’s strategic approach and clinical execution have given them a significant edge in this Round of 16 tie. Feyenoord, while facing an uphill battle, will aim to regroup and deliver a resilient performance in the return leg. Football fans can anticipate a compelling second match as both teams continue their Champions League journey.

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