Early goals from Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan put Inter Milan in firm control of their Champions League semi-final with AC Milan, winning the away leg 2-0.
The hosts had suffered a big blow even before kick-off when Rafael Leao was ruled out after failing to recover from a thigh injury and his presence was missed, with Inter full of intent and punch during a devastating first-half performance.
Inter could have won by a wider margin as Hakan Calhanoglu smashed a shot off the post and Dzeko wasted a great chance early in the second half, but they are still heavy favorites to reach the final of Europe’s top club competition for the first time since they last won it 13 years ago.
Milan, who also struck the woodwork through Sandro Tonali, have their work cut out if they want to have a chance at being crowned European champions for the eighth time and will hope Rafael Leao is available for next week’s decisive clash.
Inter could have extended their margin had VAR not controversially overturned an on-field penalty decision for a foul by Simon Kjaer on the excellent Lautaro Martinez despite there looking to be clear contact on the forward.
“We’re disappointed but we can’t dwell on it. We have to move onto the next game.” Fikayo Tomori stated as they look forward to overturn the result in second leg.
