Inter Milan secured their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a decisive 2-1 victory over Feyenoord at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 11, 2025. With the win, the Italian side completed the tie with a 4-1 aggregate score, having entered the match with confidence after already establishing a two-goal advantage from the first leg.
The evening kicked off with Inter Milan's coach, Simone Inzaghi, opting for Mehdi Taremi and Hakan Calhanoglu as key players for the attack and midfield, respectively. Taremi’s presence up front proved pivotal, and his performance was complemented by the return of goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who had recently recovered from injury.
Right from the outset, Inter looked to assert their dominance. Just eight minutes in, Markus Thuram struck first, showcasing his skill by drifting inside from the left and unleashing a powerful shot past Feyenoord's goalkeeper, Timon Wellenreuther, giving Inter a 1-0 lead and effectively setting the tone for the match.
Despite the early setback, Feyenoord managed to stay competitive and created their own chances. Their opportunity came just before halftime when Jakob Moder capitalized on Hakan Calhanoglu’s foul inside the box, converting the penalty to level the score at 1-1.
Undeterred, Inter pressed forward and regained the lead five minutes after the break when they were awarded their own penalty; Thomas Beelen fouled Taremi, and Calhanoglu stepped up to confidently score, making it 2-1 to Inter. This goal proved to be decisive as it re-established their edge and effectively extinguished Feyenoord's hopes of staging a comeback.
Throughout the match, Inter showcased their tactical prowess and resilience. After Calhanoglu's goal, they nearly extended their lead when Thuram struck the underside of the crossbar with another powerful attempt, reinforcing his stature as one of the key players of the match.
Feyenoord’s frustrations compounded as they missed significant opportunities to equalize, with their best chances being snuffed out. They finished the match without the services of Ibrahim Osman, who had been suspended after accruing too many yellow cards, leaving them short-handed against the Italian giants.
With the final whistle, Inter celebrated their victory and advanced to face Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, marking the next chapter of their European campaign. The upcoming match is anticipated with great enthusiasm, as they aim to continue their impressive run.
Inter's successful bid to progress was not only characterized by their attacking flair but also by their solid defense. The team's ability to maintain focus and execute their game plan effectively silenced any concerns about potential complacency bearing from their first-leg lead.
This match highlighted how Inter Milan has grown as contenders on the European stage, particularly under the guidance of coach Simone Inzaghi. With consecutive thrilling performances and effective strategies, they have become one of the favorites to progress deep within the tournament.
Looking forward, the match against Bayern Munich promises to be another fierce battle. The first leg of this quarter-final tie is set for either April 8 or 9, 2025, with the return leg taking place at the San Siro on April 15 or 16. Fans are eager to see how Inter, buoyed by their recent triumph, will perform against one of Europe’s most storied clubs.
Overall, Inter Milan's clash against Feyenoord was not just about securing passage to the next round; it served as evidence of their determination and resilience. The team's forward momentum keeps fans hopeful, and they look to support their side as the Champions League saga continues.