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After a gala night in the 236th Milan derby, Inter are close to their first Champions League final since the last triumph 13 years ago. In the first leg of the semi-finals, coach Simone Inzaghi’s side gave city rivals AC Milan no chance and, with a 2-0 (2-0) victory, created a great starting position for the second duel on May 16. .

The two former Bundesliga professionals Edin Dzeko (8th) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (11th) scored for the well-deserved victory, which could have been even better. The Nerazzurri have won the Henkel Cup three times in their club’s history, most recently in 2010 with a 2-0 win over FC Bayern Munich. In the second semi-final on Tuesday, defending champions Real Madrid and Manchester City drew the first leg 1-1.

Black and red dominated the stands, after all Milan had home rights. But the city’s unloved rival quickly proved to be a mood killer. Dzeko, the former Wolfsburg, surprised the Rossoneri after just eight minutes when he passed defender Davide Calabria from a Hakan Calhanoglu corner. For the 37-year-old, preferred over Belgian giants Romelu Lukaku, it was the fourth goal of this top-class season.

And it’s even worse for Milan: just three minutes later, Federico Dimarco brought in ex-Dortmunder Mkhitaryan, who coolly completed the goal. The hosts were completely out of character, acted without ideas and had no concept against Inter’s attacking attack, in which German international Robin Gosens, who had recovered from a shoulder injury , was on the bench. It all went against the defending champion. Star striker Rafael Leão, who is about to extend his contract, was unable to get back into shape in time due to his adductor injury and left a big gap with his individual class. And midfield organizer Ismael Bennacer had to leave the pitch injured early on.

With the 0-2 at the break, Stefano Pioli’s team was even well served. Calhanoglu hits the Inter post (16th). In addition, the Spanish referee Gil Manzano took a penalty for Inter after a video review because Lautaro Martinez fell very quickly (31st). The Argentine world champion also had another great opportunity to score (34th).

In the second round, the hosts managed to make the game a bit more balanced. It also boosted the morale of the Milan fans, who in the meantime lit firecrackers and Bengali fires. More than a shot from Sandro Tonali came out (63rd). In the final half hour, former Schalke player Malick Thiaw was also on the pitch with the champions.

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