Marco Arnautovic missed a number of big opportunities, but found the net when it mattered as Inter fought to a 1-0 first leg win over Atletico Madrid
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Arnautovic scored the only goal of the gameGriezmann had little impact, substituted with knockSecond leg set for mid-MarchGettyTELL ME MORE
Inter had a handful of good chances to take the lead early in the second half, but substitute Arnautovic squandered most of them. Then, in the 78th minute, he capitalised, turning home a rebound from a tight angle to give the home side a 1-0 lead. Atletico, for their part, offered little, failing to put a shot on target. The home side will feel this could have been more convincing, but the narrow margin is enough – for now.
AdvertisementGettyTHE MVP
Arnautovic spent most of the evening missing chances. He blasted two over, dragged a header wide, and failed to get on the end of a teasing cross. Still, when his moment came, the big striker capitalised. His chance wasn't the hardest one, but he found the net from a tight angle. Inter should have won by three or four here. But one, from Arnautovic, might just be enough for now.
GettyTHE BIG LOSER
These are the kinds of games that Griezmann is supposed to dominate. Instead, he was rendered toothless. The buzzing attacking midfielder constantly looked for spaces to operate in, but found few. By the end of it all, he only managed two touches in the Inter box, and created just one chance on the evening.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
The two sides will continue their domestic campaigns before meeting for the second leg on March 13. Inter are set to face Lecce on Sunday, while Atleti travel to face struggling Almeria.