All-Italian semi-final beckons as Inter take control against Benfica

Substitute Romelu Lukaku converted a late penalty as Inter Milan took a stranglehold on their Champions League quarter-final against Benfica with a first victory in seven games.

Under-fire Simone Inzaghi's men went ahead through Nicolo Barella and grabbed a potentially decisive second from the spot as they won 2-0 and inflicted a first defeat in 10 games in the competition on the Primeira Liga leaders, who also lost to Porto at the Estadio Da Luz on Friday.

It was the home side who created the first real opening when, after Federico Dimarco had only half dealt with Alejandro Grimaldo’s cross, Rafa Silva fired in a 16th-minute snapshot which goalkeeper Andre Onana did well to block.

Former Inter midfielder Joao Mario dragged a 20th-minute attempt across the face of goal, but the visitors responded with a sustained period of possession and went close when central defender Francesco Acerbi strode forward and smashed a 35-yard drive just over in an increasingly open game.

Benfica returned for the second half in determined mood as they pinned the Serie A outfit deep inside their own half, with full-back Gilberto revelling in the space afforded him down the right.

But it was down his side that Inter struck when Barella dispatched Alessandro Bastoni’s 51st-minute cross with a thumping header – their first attempt on target.

Highlights: Benfica 0-2 Inter Milan Inter Milan will take a healthy lead back to Italy for the second leg of their #ChampionsLeague quarter-final