Inter Milan secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Feyenoord at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium on March 12, 2025. Coach Simone Indzaghi's side advanced with strong offensive play, scoring two goals in the first half, with Marcus Thuram netting the opener and Hakan Calhanoglu converting from the penalty spot. For Feyenoord, Jakub Moder managed to equalize briefly before the visitors succumbed to Inter's efforts.
The match opened with enthusiasm, as Inter aimed to consolidate their initial 2-0 lead from the first leg. The players executed Indzaghi's strategy well, demonstrating their well-known attacking prowess. Just eight minutes after kickoff, Marcus Thuram found the back of the net, putting Inter firmly on course for victory.
Despite conceding the penalty and allowing Feyenoord to equalize at 1-1 just before half-time due to Moder's calm finish, Inter quickly restored their lead through Calhanoglu’s penalty following a foul against Taremi. Calhanoglu's goal came early in the second half, showcasing the team's resilience and commitment to clinching the Champions League dream.
Post-match, Indzaghi emphasized the team's discipline and focus throughout the encounter, acknowledging the challenges posed by Feyenoord, stating, "We really worried about this, the guys were magnificent." He went on to highlight the importance of this victory, buoying the squad's confidence before the quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich. "Every day you learn more, and you improve yourself. The final stretch of this competition is not to be taken lightly," he noted.
Feyenoord's head coach, Robin van Persie, offered his reflections on the match, expressing pride in his players’ performance against what he described as 'a very strong team.' Van Persie found the timing of the penalty awarded to Inter unfortunate, saying, "The penalty was very doubtful, perhaps awarded too easily." The moment of conceding early to Inter was particularly disheartening, as it consistently put Feyenoord on the back foot throughout the game. Despite the setback, van Persie acknowledged the determination his players exhibited, particularly during the moments they managed to equalize.
Looking forward, Feyenoord sits currently at fifth place in the Eredivisie with 44 points—a stark reminder of the need for consistent league form moving forward. Van Persie contrasted the disappointment of the Champions League exit with the hope of refining tactics and team strength in domestic competition.
Inter will now shift their focus fully to preparing for Bayern Munich, marking another significant test as they look to continue their European ambitions this season. The matchup against the German giants has fans and analysts buzzing with anticipation, especially considering the historical significance of encounters between the two clubs.
Both teams recognize the gravity of reaching this stage of the tournament and the challenges presented by upcoming matches—each game potentially paving the way toward the coveted Champions League trophy.
Indzaghi's strategic choices will remain under scrutiny as he prepares his squad for what lies ahead. Despite media sentiments primarily focusing on the physical demands on players, the early philosophies instilled on the team promise greater adaptability and readiness as the stakes rise.
Overall, March 12, 2025, marked not just another day of football but set the scene for significant momentum shifts, as Inter Milan and Feyenoord both settled their positions—one stepping closer to glory, and the other, reflective and regrouping.