TOPS
Scorer in the first leg, the Italian midfielder did it again in the return match. Two openings of the score which facilitated the qualification of Inter for the semi-final, where they will find the Milanese neighbor. Two life-saving goals against Benfica on three goals scored this season for him in the Champions League. But in the offensive and defensive slaughter he will also have, as we know, been the author of a formidable job. Tireless and technically clean, it was this Barella who partly enabled Inter to win the Serie A title two seasons ago.
In lack of confidence before the meeting Lautaro Martinez achieved a very good performance crowned with a goal. His second only this season in the Champions League which has come to reconcile him with the cages since March 5, the date of his last goal (in Serie A against Lecce). The public knows it and that’s why he was warmly applauded when he left (75th) replaced by Lukaku.
FLOPS
The Portuguese striker was simply not at the level this Wednesday evening. His team certainly scored three goals, but three goals on which he is not involved. The top scorer of Lisbon this season (7 goals in the Champions League) has never weighed on the defense of Inter. His exit in the 75th minute will not have changed much, except that Benfica scored two goals after his departure.
Both men got sucked in on Barella’s fake shot as they opened the scoring. An opener that killed all Portuguese hopes. On his right foot, Barella feigned the right shot before coming back to his left foot to adjust Vlachodimos and deposit the ball in the left corner of the Greek goalkeeper. Both tackled thinking Barella was going to try his luck from the right, result of the races the Italian had a window wide open to score.
