{"id":57091,"date":"2023-04-12T07:29:37","date_gmt":"2023-04-12T07:29:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2023\/04\/12\/lukaku-strikes-late-as-inter-milan-inflict-defeat-on-benfica\/"},"modified":"2023-04-12T07:29:37","modified_gmt":"2023-04-12T07:29:37","slug":"lukaku-strikes-late-as-inter-milan-inflict-defeat-on-benfica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2023\/04\/12\/lukaku-strikes-late-as-inter-milan-inflict-defeat-on-benfica\/","title":{"rendered":"Lukaku strikes late as Inter Milan inflict defeat on Benfica"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Romelu Lukaku celebrates putting Inter 2-0 up at Benfica
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Romelu Lukaku scored an 82nd-minute penalty as Inter Milan put themselves in a strong position to advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League after securing a deserved win away at Benfica.<\/p>\n

Nicolo Barella\u2019s downward header gave Inter the lead in the quarter-final first leg in Lisbon.<\/p>\n

Benfica struggled to dictate play in front of their own fans as Inter produced a defensive masterclass in Lisbon.<\/p>\n

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Rafa Silva was denied by Andre Onana\u2019s first-half save before Inter\u2019s Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries produced a crucial block from close range as Benfica pushed for an equaliser.<\/p>\n

The Italian visitors wrapped up a solid win when substitute Lukaku, on loan from Chelsea, scored from the spot after former Inter player Joao Mario handled inside the box.<\/p>\n

Premier League referee Michael Oliver awarded the penalty after watching the incident on the pitchside monitor, with replays showing the ball struck the side of Mario\u2019s head before hitting his hand.<\/p>\n

Simone Inzaghi\u2019s side will fancy their chances of finishing the job in front of their own fans in the return leg on 19 April (20:00 BST).<\/p>\n

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