Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez's clinical strikes have given Inter a healthy two-goal lead in their Champions League last-16 tie with Feyenoord.
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Thuram, Martinez on targetInter on the cusp of qualifying for quarter-finalBeat Feyenoord 2-0 in RotterdamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE
The opening 30 minutes of Wednesday's first leg saw Feyenoord create more of the goal-scoring opportunities as the visitors failed to gel in attack. However, Inter drew first blood with Thuram breaking the deadlock in the 38th minute from their first big opportunity. Nicolo Barella floated an inch-perfect cross to the back post where Thuram was unmarked to volley the ball into the top corner from close range.
The Serie A giants then doubled their lead just five minutes into the second half. Piotr Zielinski's attempted shot was blocked by Jakub Moder in the box, but Martinez pounced on the second ball and found the roof of the net. Inter then had a golden opportunity to double their advantage from the spot after Thuram was brought down inside the Feyenoord box. Zielinski took the spot-kick but his weak strike was comfortably parried away by Timon Wellenreuther.
Despite never getting out of second gear in Rotterdam, Inter got the job courtesy of some clinical finishes from their star forwards Thuram and Martinez. They will be much more relaxed ahead of the second leg at San Siro next week.
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Thuram stole the limelight despite only spending a little over an hour on the pitch, as his first-half strike set the tone for Inter's crucial away win in the first leg. The French forward was a livewire in his time on the pitch and was in the right place to expertly fire home Barella's delightful cross with the outside of his boot.
AFPTHE BIG LOSER
The Feyenoord backline started the game in promising fashion as they kept the star-studded Inter attack quiet for nearly the entire first period. Unfortunately, they completely blanked during the two goals as Thuram and Martinez scored without much trouble.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Inter will be back in action in the Serie A on Saturday night as they take on Monza at home. Robin van Persie's side, on the other hand, will enjoy a well-earned break before they meet the Serie A giants in the second leg on March 11.
