Inter Milan 1-0 Porto: Substitute Romelu Lukaku scores late in first leg after Otavio sees red for visitors

Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to score a late winner as Inter overcame a resilient Porto in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash at San Siro. Porto looked like they would frustrate the Serie A side but their task grew more difficult when Otavio was sent off and eventually Inter’s pressure paid when Lukaku – a second-half substitute – struck with four minutes remaining.

Ad With both sides coming into this game in fine form, there had been considerable excitement ahead of kick-off, but it proved a cagey affair. Serie ALukaku, Mkhitaryan and Martinez score as Inter beat Udinese18/02/2023 AT 19:18 Inter, who have lost just once in 13 games, had the first chance when Lautaro Martinez peeled free at the far post but could only head Federico Dimarco’s cross over.

Targeting a 10th straight win, Porto were slow to start but almost broke the deadlock when Andre Onana pulled off a fine save with his feet to keep out Marko Gruijic’s powerful effort, and from the rebound Galeno failed to hit the target. The hosts thought they had a strong case for a penalty when Matteo Darmian went down inside the box under pressure from Galeno, but there was nothing doing.

On the stroke of half-time, Alessandro Bastoni forced a fine reaction save from Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa. The excitement continued into the second half as Barella fired agonisingly wide, and, at the opposite end, Inter goalkeeper Onana pulled off a double save to deny Taremi and then Zaidu.

With time running out, the Nerazzurri pushed for a winner, introducing Lukaku from the bench and the Belgium international had an immediate impact, setting up a chance for Barella who shot just over. Porto’s task grew more difficult when Otavio was sent off for a second