Inter Milan holds the advantage as they head into the second leg in Madrid after securing a 1-0 home victory against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash on Tuesday.
Substitute Marko Arnautovic emerged as the hero, netting a late goal in the 79th minute after Lautaro Martinez’s shot was parried by goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Arnautovic, who came on for the injured Marcus Thuram at halftime, made amends for earlier missed opportunities.
Despite Inter’s dominance in the first half, with Martinez and Thuram both having chances to score, they were thwarted by Atletico’s resilient defense and Oblak’s saves.
Arnautovic himself had a golden opportunity just after the hour mark but failed to capitalize, sending his effort over the crossbar, much to the frustration of the home crowd.
The return leg is scheduled for March 13 in Spain.
