Inter Milan extended their impressive unbeaten home run in a thrilling yet nervy UEFA Champions League (UCL) encounter, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig. The match, which marked the first-ever European meeting between the two teams, saw Castello Lukeba’s unfortunate own goal in the 27th minute give the Nerazzurri all three points. This victory keeps Inter’s perfect record at home intact, with 12 matches unbeaten (W10, D2) in the competition.
Inter Milan’s Early Dominance
The Nerazzurri came out all guns blazing from the opening whistle, immediately asserting their authority on the match. Federico Dimarco looked to give Inter an early lead with a thunderous shot from the edge of the box, but it narrowly missed the target. Despite this early scare for Leipzig, Inter were clearly in control, maintaining the majority of possession and pressing high up the pitch.
Lautaro Martínez, who has been in excellent form for Inter, was next to threaten Leipzig’s goal. Péter Gulácsi saved the Argentine striker’s low shot well, but it was clear that the visitors were struggling to cope with Inter’s attacking intensity.
The Breakthrough: Lukeba’s Own Goal
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute, and it was a moment of misfortune for Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba. A perfectly delivered inswinging cross from Dimarco caused chaos in the Leipzig box, and Lukeba, under pressure, could only deflect the ball into his net. It was a cruel moment for Leipzig, who had been holding their ground defensively, but Inter’s relentless pressure was finally rewarded.
The own goal added further frustration to Leipzig’s night as they continued to chase an equalizer before the break. Inter’s defense stood firm despite a few decent attacking moves, and the visitors could not break through. The halftime score remained 1-0 in favor of the hosts, and the Germans had their work cut out for them in the second half.
Leipzig’s Second Half Fightback
Leipzig came out with renewed determination in the second half, aiming to claw their way back into the game. Early chances for Inter saw Denzel Dumfries fire a shot over the bar from close range while Gulácsi comfortably saved Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s tame effort. However, Leipzig was not to be underestimated, and they came close to equalizing in the 60th minute when Antonio Nusa unleashed a curling shot that was expertly parried away by Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
That save from Sommer sparked a glimmer of hope for Leipzig. With the momentum beginning to shift in their favor, the visitors grew in confidence, and their late surge put Inter’s defense under pressure. Despite a few half-chances and an increasingly frantic pace, Inter remained resolute, with their defense and goalkeeper holding firm under the mounting pressure.
Inter Milan Holds On for the Win
As the match entered its final stages, Leipzig pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Inter’s solid defensive structure was unyielding. The hosts continued to soak up the pressure and created a few more counter-attacks, but none could find the back of the net. With Leipzig unable to convert their chances, the match ended 1-0 in Inter’s favor.
This victory sees Inter Milan continue their unbeaten start in the Champions League (W4, D1) and move to the top of their group. Meanwhile, Leipzig’s miserable run in the competition continues, with no points from their opening four matches.
A Bitter Defeat for Leipzig
The loss is a bitter blow for RB Leipzig, which continues to struggle in the group stage. Despite a strong second-half performance and a few decent chances, they could not break down Inter Milan’s solid defense. The team must regroup and focus on upcoming matches to salvage their Champions League campaign.
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Conclusion
Inter Milan’s 1-0 win over RB Leipzig was a testament to their resilience and dominance in European football. Despite Leipzig’s spirited efforts in the second half, the hosts held firm and secured a crucial victory. With Inter now at the top of their group, they look set to continue their impressive campaign. As for Leipzig, it’s back to the drawing board as they seek to turn around their fortunes in the Champions League.