Final score
15 September 2021 21:00
Inter
0 - 1
Real Madrid
45' (2nd half) Rodrygo
Referee: Daniel Siebert / Linesmen: Foltyn R., Gittelmann C. / Fourth official: Schlager D. / Assistants: Fritz M., Osmers H.
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| Minute | Text commentary |
| 46' | The first half is over at San Siro. Inter have played well, but it remains goalless |
| 46' | Lautaro is booked |
| 45' | One minute added on |
| 42' | Another Inter chance. Perisic breaks into the box and Dzeko tries to pounce, but Courtois makes the save |
| 40' | Calhanoglu steals the ball back and breaks, but can't quite release Lautaro |
| 37' | Double chance for Inter: Lautaro sends a header wide before Brozovic dribbles a shot agonisingly off target |
| 36' | Real go close from a corner. Militao has a free header that goes wide |
| 34' | Brilliant ball by Bastoni to Perisic, who sends in a cross that Courtois gathers |
| 30' | It's been an even affair with a fast-paced tempo! |
| 27' | Lautaro releases Darmian, but Nacho does well to track him down |
| 23' | Perisic cuts in from the left and shoots. Militao gets the block in |
| 19' | Another chance for Inter! Perisic sends in a pinpoint cross for Lautaro, whose header is parried by Courtois |
| 16' | Great play by Darmian, who is fouled by Nacho. Calhanoglu takes it, Perisic heads it on, but nobody is at the back post to take advantage! |
| 14' | Casemiro's shot from long range goes just off target |
| 12' | Inter keep piling on the pressure down the right, but Perisic can't quite get a shot away |
| 9' | The Nerazzurri are looking dangerous. Skriniar's header from a corner goes just over the bar |
| 8' | Inter go close! Lautaro plays it to Dzeko who's right-footed shot is saved by Courtois' foot. Skriniar tries to divert the rebound goalward, but it goes behind for a corner |
| 5' | Lautaro unleashes the first shot of the game, but Courtois is there to deny him |
| 1' | Off we go! Inter's 2021/22 Champions League campaign has begun with the visitors kicking off! FORZA INTER! |
| 1' | The San Siro crowd welcomes the two teams to the pitch. We will be under way shortly |
| 1' | Champions League nights are back at San Siro. Simone Inzaghi's side host Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid on Matchday 1 in Group D |
| Minute | Text commentary |
| 47' | It's all over at the Meazza. Inter created plenty of chances, but Real Madrid claim all three points after Rodrygo's late goal |
| 46' | Asensio comes on for Vinicius Jr for the visitors |
| 45' | Two minutes of stoppage time |
| 45' | Rodrygo puts Real Madrid into the lead, volleying the ball past Handanovic |
| 43' | Stunning tackle by Skriniar to deny Vinicius Jr |
| 38' | Final change for Inter: Vecino replaces Barella who is applauded off the pitch |
| 37' | Dumfries picks out Dimarco, who can't quite link up with Vidal and the chance has gone |
| 35' | Camavinga replaces Modric for Los Blancos |
| 32' | Vidal and Barella link up well. The number 22 goes for goal, but Carvajal gets in a crucial block |
| 30' | Bastoni's teasing cross is cleared by Militao |
| 25' | The tempo is slowing at the Meazza. 20 minutes to go and it's still goalless |
| 23' | Dumfries shows his pace to reach the byline but his low cross is turned behind for a corner |
| 20' | Vidal is also on, with Calhanoglu withdrawn |
| 20' | Double change for Inter: Correa is on for Lautaro |
| 19' | Dzeko releases Dumfries in behind, but Nacho does well to close down the sub and force a corner |
| 15' | Alaba brings down Dzeko and is the first Real Madrid player to be booked |
| 10' | Dumfries is also on, in place of Darmian down the right |
| 10' | Double change by Inzaghi: Dimarco is on for Perisic |
| 9' | Another fine save by Courtois, this time to keep out Skriniar's header |
| 3' | There's a mix-up in the Inter box after Carvajal's cross comes off Bastoni. Skriniar is in the right place to clear the danger |
| 1' | No subs at the interval. Off we go. FORZA INTER! |
| Handanovic |
5.17
5.17
|
YOUR RATING |
| Dimarco |
4.91
4.91
|
YOUR RATING |
| Brozovic |
7.18
7.18
|
YOUR RATING |
| Perisic |
5.31
5.31
|
YOUR RATING |
| Skriniar |
7.88
7.88
|
YOUR RATING |
| Vecino |
3.63
3.63
|
YOUR RATING |
| Martínez |
5.56
5.56
|
YOUR RATING |
| de Vrij |
5.84
5.84
|
YOUR RATING |
| Barella |
5.74
5.74
|
YOUR RATING |
| Bastoni |
5.41
5.41
|
YOUR RATING |
| Vidal |
3.5
3.5
|
YOUR RATING |
| Darmian |
5
5
|
YOUR RATING |
| Calhanoglu |
3.89
3.89
|
YOUR RATING |
| Dzeko |
4.16
4.16
|
YOUR RATING |
| Dumfries |
5.36
5.36
|
YOUR RATING |
| Correa |
4.06
4.06
|
YOUR RATING |
| Average rating | 5.16 | SEND RATINGS |
| 5 | shots on target | 2 |
| 7 | shots off target | 4 |
| 9 | fouls committed | 11 |
| 4 | corners | 5 |
| 4 | offsides | 1 |
| 47% | ball possession | 53% |
This is the second consecutive UEFA Champions League campaign in which Inter Milan and Real Madrid have been drawn in the same group – the Spanish side won home and away against them in 2020-21, including a 2-0 victory at the San Siro.
Inter Milan have lost four of their last five games against Real Madrid in European competition (W1), as many defeats as they suffered against Los Blancos in their first 12 meetings (W6 D2 L4).
Real Madrid have only won one of their previous eight away games against Inter Milan in European competition (D2 L5), however that victory did come on their most recent trip – 2-0 in November 2020, in last season’s group stage.
Inter Milan’s last victory against a Spanish team in the UEFA Champions League came back in April 2010, when they beat Barcelona 3-1 at the San Siro under José Mourinho (before going on to win the trophy in that 2009-10 season). Inter are winless in their seven games in the competition against Spanish sides since then, suffering defeats in six of them (D1).
Real Madrid have won 12 of their last 13 games against Italian opponents in the UEFA Champions League (L1), with their only defeat in this run coming against Juventus in April 2018. Los Blancos have won each of the most recent six meetings with Italian sides, by an aggregate score of 14-3.
Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi has faced Carlo Ancelotti on two previous occasions in his managerial career – his Lazio team were beaten home and away by Ancelotti’s Napoli in the 2018-19 Serie A campaign, losing 2-1 in both games.
Carlo Ancelotti managed Real Madrid in 25 UEFA Champions League games in 2013-14 and 2014-15, winning the tournament in 2013-14. His win percentage of 76% (P25 W19 D3 L3) is the best of any manager at a single club in the competition to have managed 20+ games with that club.
Inter Milan’s 35-year-old striker Edin Dzeko was directly involved in a goal per game in his previous two seasons in the UEFA Champions League, scoring 13 goals and assisting five in 18 appearances across 2017-18 and 2018-19 for Roma. The only player older than Dzeko will be on the day of this match (35y 182d) to score for Inter in the competition is Javier Zanetti against Spurs in October 2010 (37y 71d).
wins(4)
draws(1)
defeats(2)
| 15 September 2021 | 0-1 | 91' Rodrygo, | fixture |
| 25 November 2020 | 0-2 | 7' Hazard(Rig), 61' Rodrygo, | fixture |
| 25 November 1998 | 3-1 | 50' Zamorano, 59' Seedorf, 85 e 92' Baggio R. | fixture |
| 22 April 1981 | 1-0 | 57' Bini | |
| 15 February 1967 | 1-0 | 54' Cappellini | |
| 20 April 1966 | 1-1 | 20' Amancio, 78' Facchetti | |
| 27 May 1964 | 3-1 | 43' Mazzola, 62' Milani, 69' Felo Bautista, 76' Mazzola | fixture |
MILAN – They say that football is a strange game and tonight’s match is a fine example of just that. The team returned to San Siro in the Champions League with the supporters in attendance and a wonderful atmosphere. The performance was noteworthy, with Inter racking up 14 shots on goal in the first half alone, but Thibaut Courtois was in fine form. Milan Skriniar seemed to be intent on singlehandedly denying Real Madrid, as he turned in a host of crucial tackles and clearances. That was not enough, however, as Inter left the pitch empty-handed, having conceded the only goal of the game with 89 minutes on the clock.
The result does not wipe away a strong team performance which should give the players confidence for the European path that lies ahead. It certainly hurts, but time is on our side, combined with the support of the Inter faithful.
Every tackle matters. Every ball is crucial. The San Siro faithful was ready to shake for every tackle, head every ball and jump for every pass in the team’s opening Champions League group game. The clash between Inter and Real Madrid in November 2020 seems like a lifetime ago. It was freezing cold both in terms of temperature and atmosphere in an empty stadium, while the ground was buzzing this time around.
Inter knew how tough it would be. Real Madrid were cool and collected as always, seemingly unfazed by the emotions brimming in a potentially crucial opening game. Simone Inzaghi’s side lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, while Carlo Ancelotti’s charges were in a classic 4-3-3 system, with David Alaba at centre-back, Nacho at full-back, Luka Modric dictating the play and Vinicius Jr and Lucas Vazquez supporting Karim Benzema.
Skriniar showcased all his gladiator qualities throughout, with an electric current sparking the team into life to reach every loose ball. Inter racked up a host of first-half chances, including some clear-cut ones, but Courtois would simply not be beaten.
First Lautaro and then Dzeko went agonisingly close to opening the scoring. Inter passed the ball around confidently and broke through the Real Madrid press time after time. The Argentine will be disappointed that his header from Ivan Perisic’s cross was directed straight at the goalkeeper.
Real had a Casemiro shot from long range to show for their attacking endeavours and a free header for Militao that the defender steered wide. Courtois had to be at full stretch to deny Dzeko as the first half neared its conclusion. With 14 shots to Real Madrid’s five, Inter’s dominance was clear, but the goal just would not come.
The fast tempo in the first half could not last throughout the contest. The visitors forged more attacks down the right through Dani Carvajal as they tried to pin the Nerazzurri back, with Vinicius adding an element of unpredictability to their attack. Skriniar, however, was able to foresee almost everything and turned in one of his finest Inter displays, as he thwarted attack after attack with his flawless anticipation.
As the game wore on, Real Madrid applied more pressure before Denzel Dumfries entered the fray to try to use his pace to the hosts’ advantage. Ancelotti made some changes of his own, with new signing Eduardo Camavinga setting up Rodrygo to score the winner, just as he did last season, with a minute left of regulation time.
It is certainly a hard blow to take, but the team’s Champions League journey has only just begun.
INTER 0-1 REAL MADRID (HT 0-0)
Scorer: Rodrygo 89.
INTER (3-5-2): 1 Handanovic; 37 Skriniar, 6 De Vrij, 95 Bastoni; 36 Darmian (2 Dumfries, 55), 23 Barella (8 Vecino, 84), 77 Brozovic, 20 Calhanoglu (22 Vidal, 65), 14 Perisic (32 Dimarco, 55); 9 Dzeko, 10 Lautaro (19 Correa, 65).
Subs not used: 21 Cordaz, 97 Radu, 5 Gagliardini, 7 Sanchez, 11 Kolarov, 13 Ranocchia, 33 D'Ambrosio.
Coach: Simone Inzaghi.
REAL MADRID (4-3-3): 1 Courtois; 2 Carvajal, 3 Militao, 4 Alaba, 6 Nacho; 15 Valverde, 14 Casemiro, 10 Modric (25 Camavinga, 80); 17 Vazquez (21 Rodrygo, 65), 9 Benzema, 20 Vinicius Jr (11 Asensio, 90+1).
Subs not used: 13 Lunin, 40 Fuidias, 5 Vallejo, 7 Hazard, 16 Jovic, 22 Isco, 24 Mariano, 27 Blanco, 35 Gutierrez.
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti.
Booked: Lautaro, Alaba.
Stoppage time: 1+2.
Referee: Siebert.
Assistants: Foltyn, Gittelmann.
Fourth official: Schlager.
VAR: Fritz.
Assistant VAR: Osmers
starting lineups
| Handanovic 1 | 1 Courtois |
| Skriniar 37 | 2 Carvajal |
| de Vrij 6 | 3 Militao |
| Bastoni 95 | 6 Nacho |
| Darmian 36 | 4 Alaba |
| Barella 23 | 15 Valverde |
| Brozovic 77 | 14 Casemiro |
| Calhanoglu 20 | 10 Modric |
| Perisic 14 | 17 Vazquez |
| Dzeko 9 | 9 Benzema |
| Martínez 10 | 20 Vinicius Jr. |
substitutes
| Radu 97 | 13 Lunin |
| Cordaz 21 | 40 Fuidias |
| Dumfries 2 | 5 Vallejo |
| Gagliardini 5 | 7 Hazard |
| Sanchez 7 | 11 Asensio |
| Vecino 8 | 16 Jovic |
| Kolarov 11 | 21 Rodrygo |
| Ranocchia 13 | 22 Isco |
| Correa 19 | 24 Mariano |
| Vidal 22 | 25 Camavinga |
| Dimarco 32 | 27 Blanco |
| D'Ambrosio 33 | 35 Gutierrez |