Martinez more than decisive, Leao disappointing, the Rossoneri showed nothing … The tops and flops after the Champions League semi-final return between Inter and AC Milan on Tuesday at San Siro (1- 0)
TOPS
Martinez, captain emeritus
Lautaro Martinez, as a good captain, guided his teammates to the Champions League final. He will have caused three faults and struggled on his defensive returns. On recovery, the Argentine world champion slalomed perfectly before causing a fault from Tonali (21st). But above all will have deceived Mike Maignan on a service from Lukaku 15 minutes from the end of the meeting. Logically applauded when it came out (85th).
Inter ensures
After beating his opponent and eternal rival 2-0 in the first leg, one could wonder about the strategy that Inzaghi’s men were going to adopt. Well they did not disappoint. After a few minutes of hesitation, the Nerazzurri began numerous attacks in the first period, notably by Barella and Dzeko. On a slightly deflected free kick, Inter could have opened the scoring earlier. Aggressive, they were not content either to put the “bus”. After a long period of management in the second half, Lautaro Martinez’s teammates scored the goal of deliverance. Inter reached the final for the sixth time in their history, the first since Mourinho’s players were crowned in 2010.
Maignan, despite everything
In the French team, he took over from Hugo Lloris. But in club, he is unstoppable and has proven it again. Little requested at the start of the game, Mike Maignan nevertheless had warm gloves. First on a shot from Barella pushed back (13th), even if the latter was in an offside position. Five minutes from the end of the first period, the former PSG player released a decisive reflex save on a strong cross from Çalhanoğlu (39th). Before bowing much later, in front of Martinez (76th). Despite a new parade in front of the world champion (78th) then on Lukaku (90 + 1), Maignan certainly avoided a bigger defeat. Frustrating.
FLOPS
Leao, an opportunity and then that’s it
He was expected. A bit like the Messiah. Injured against Lazio on May 6, Rafael Leao could have missed the return match and his absence was beginning to cause concern. But the Portuguese was back, starting on his left wing. Without success. After a sluggish start where the Rossoneri saw sharper team-mate Messias shine in the opposite, Leao woke up eight minutes from the end of the first half. After beating Barella in a duel, he missed a goal opportunity by crossing his shot too much. A little more prominent during the second part of the match, he missed a cross (68th) before losing a ball too easily (70th).
Read alsoChampions League: Inter dominates (again) AC Milan and climbs to the final
Giroud also not inspired
Too alone in the lead, Olivier Giroud only hit once on goal, on a too soft head (76th). Before that, the French international lost a ball too easily (55th) and was never able to worry Onana. Like his torn jersey, Giroud will have been muzzled and will also have lost 10 balloons. Not at the rendezvous this Tuesday evening.
The Rossoneri miss the mark
With two goals behind, AC Milan had to give everything to regret nothing. After a hectic week and a defeat against Spezia in the league (2-0), Stefano Pioli’s men were shaken by their supporters. It is clear that this crisis meeting has not changed anything. Dropped, overwhelmed and feverish, the Rossoneri were not there. And missed the most important event of their disappointing season.