Substitute Marko Arnautovic scored to hand Inter Milan the advantage in their Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid.
Substitute Marko Arnautovic scored the only goal of a game his introduction changed as Inter Milan beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.
After a sluggish first half, Inter were much improved, and Arnautovic had two great chances soon after coming on at the break, but on both occasions, the Austrian shot over from close range.
It was third-time lucky for the forward however, as he tucked home a 79th-minute rebound, with the chance coming from an Atletico Madrid error in the midfield.
Alvaro Morata returned from a knee problem for Atleti in the second half but was not at his best, while Antoine Griezmann exiting with an apparent injury of his own will be a concern, especially in the second tie.
Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer did not have a save to make and kept his 21st clean sheet in all competitions this season.
Simone Inzaghi’s side are nine points clear at the top of Serie A and their last defeat in all competitions came on 20 December against Bologna in the Coppa Italia.
The last season’s runners-up were good value for their victory, but they may feel they should have won by a wider margin, especially with a trip to the Metropolitano Stadium – where Diego Simeone’s team have lost just once this season.
The trip to the Metropolitano stadium is set to take place on March 13.
