UEFA Champions League 2024-25: Inter wins 2-0 at Feyenoord to close on last-eight

Inter Milan took full control of its Champions League last-16 tie against Feyenoord with a 2-0 away victory thanks to goals from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez on Wednesday.

Feyenoord looked more dangerous in the first half, but Inter went ahead against the run of play when Thuram scored with an acrobatic volley in the 38th minute, and Martinez netted with a shot into the top corner soon after halftime.

The return leg in Milan will be played on Tuesday, and the winner will face Bayern Munich or Bayer Leverkusen for a spot in the semifinals.

Inter dominated possession in the opening stages, but the host launched effective counter-attacks, a low attempt at the near post from Ibrahim Osman forcing Inter keeper Josep Martinez into an early save.

The Serie A leader often lacked precision, but Thuram finished off a great team move to put it ahead after the French forward struck from close range following a long cross from Nicolo Barella.

AS IT HAPPENED: Feyenoord vs Inter HIGHLIGHTS

The goal lifted Inter, and it doubled its lead five minutes into the second half when Martinez scored his sixth goal in this season’s competition.

It was the Argentine’s 18th goal in the Champions League for Inter as he became the club’s all-time leading scorer in the competition.

Jakub Moder hit the bar for the host, but Inter could have made it 3-0 when it was awarded a penalty for a foul on Thuram just after the hour mark.

Feyenoord keeper Timon Wellenreuther guessed Piotr Zielinski’s intentions, however, and saved the Poland midfielder’s low shot.

The result dented Feyenoord’s chances of reaching the quarterfinals of Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since 1971-72 as new coach Robin van Persie made his Champions League managerial debut.

Inter, a three-time European champion and most recently in 2010, advanced directly to the knockout stages after finishing fourth in the competition’s maiden league phase.