Benfica spark late drama as Inter advance to next round

Inter saw their lead dashed multiple times in the game as they were held to a draw by a resilient Benfica side.  

Inter hosted Benfica at the San Siro as they looked to finish the work they started in the first match of the encounter. The Nerrazurri did not win the match, but their first-match triumph was enough to help them advance to the next round.

Nicolo Barella gave the hosts a brilliant lead, striking the ball weekly with his left foot into the top left corner. The goal comes after an incredible show of aerial ability by Edin Dzeko and some intricate play that involved Barella himself. 

Benfica got the equaliser, however, with an equally beautiful goal. Fredrik Ausnes connected brilliantly with Rafa Silva's cross heading past a helpless Andre Onana.  

Inter regained the lead in the 65th minute when Di Marco squared the ball to Lautaro Martinez, who tapped in from close range, finishing a brilliant counterattacking move.

The hosts doubled their lead for the first time in the game in the 78th minute, with Di Marco the assister once more, combining with substitute Joaquin Correa, and they thought they had put the tie to bed.  

However, a brilliant cross by Alejandro Grimaldo in the 89th minute from a free-kick was steered in by Antonio Silva to give Benfica a fighting chance.  

The Eagles found a deserved equaliser when Petar Musa finished from inside the box in the, however, it was a little too late to stage a comeback.