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Inter advance to Champions League final, eliminate AC Milan behind Lautaro Martinez goal

The first finalist will be decided on Tuesday with Inter holding a 2-0 advantage

Half of the Champions League final is set after Inter defeated Milan 1-0 (3-0 on aggregate) at the San Siro. Despite getting Rafael Leao back in the lineup, Milan were helpless during the match as Inter kept their attacks in front of them and were able to score a goal from Lautaro Martinez to put them through. Romelu Lukaku got on the pitch in the 66th minute against a tired Milan side and it would only take him eight minutes to assist Martinez for the opener.

One year removed from winning the Scudetto last season, Milan were one step from making the Champions League final, and after missing out on that could miss out on the Champions League altogether. Meanwhile, this Inter side have now won eight consecutive matches and have now booked their spot in Istanbul.

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While Inter should be lauded for their defensive strength and an impressive game plan that neutralized Theo Hernandez and Leao, questions need to be answered by Milan. Prior to the match, Pioli said, "Nobody thinks Milan can reach the UCL final, but we believe."

Down two goals on aggregate and only taking five shots in a win-or-go-home match, it's hard to actually believe Pioli. Inter are the better team and will be heading to Istanbul but when Milan needed to throw the kitchen sink forward they instead passed around the defense then played the ball hopelessly forward when Leao couldn't work into space. 

Looking for your best player is fine most of the time, but when that plan didn't work, Milan didn't have a plan B to fall back on. Things could've changed if Leao's shot in the first half wasn't dragged wide but the team as a whole needed to show more fight during the occasion, especially in a derby match that takes place in the shared San Siro. Falling back this much after winning the Scudetto is a reason why the club will head into a critical summer rebuild while Inter are being rewarded for their good work on the season.

For Inter, Martinez has had issues finishing but when the team needs him most, he is there. His partnership with Lukaku is one that helped win Inter their own Scudetto and it's one that has now helped them to a Champions League final. There, they'll face either Manchester City or Real Madrid in a game where they'll be underdogs but after the comprehensive victories that Inter have reeled off, they can't be counted out.


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Live updates
 

Inter are in the Champions League final for the first time in 13 years

They didn't need to score but Martinez made sure that there wouldn't be a doubt in the match. After struggling, Inter have picked up their form on the defensive end and are also using Romelu Lukaku effectively. Milan weren't able to show up in a game that meant so much to them and Stefano Pioli now needs to figure out how to motivate this team to qualify for Champions League through the league.

 

Running back the only goal of the game
 

Inter wants a red card

There could be cause to upgrade this as Krunic went in with his studs up but from the results of the ensuing scuffle, three yellow cards were handed out around the pitch. 

 

Martinez scores

It's 3-0 Inter on aggregate and that should be it for the tie. While you can never count Milan out of a match, they couldn't do anything to prevent Lukaku and Martinez from combining for the opening goal of the match. A big mistake for Kalulu after coming into the match.

 

On a yellow, Malick Thiaw has been subbed out 

Milan can't afford to have a player sent off in the match but with a quicker center back in the lineup, it can give the team a chance to push possession but Romelu Lukaku is also coming with Dzeko being withdrawn.

 

Does Milan realize that they need a goal?

The lack of urgency in the game is getting concerning. 35 minutes remaining an Milan have only taken four shots in the match despite having an advantage in possession. It's a good defensive showing for Inter but What does Milan want out of the game?

 

Back underway

Milan need goals and they need them now. After making it through the first half with a chance, the time is now to get the ball in the back of the net.

 

A blow for Inter

Before the half Mkhitaryan will exit the match with Brozovic coming off the bench. Inter's depth shows in the fact that Brozovic can come off the bench at this stage of the tournament to ensure that they'll have suitable attackers to see out the game.

 

All it takes is a chance

Leao got the ball and was able to run for the first time all match and it almost ended in a goal for Milan. They'll need more of that but it's a promising attack.

 

Inter's defense is well poised

Milan has had possession but not in areas they'd like it picking up the ball deep and being unable to break through the midfield pressure. Tweaks will be needed to open the match up a little as everything favors inter advancing.

 

Exchanging fouls during the match

Can you tell that this is a derby? Grappling on corners, the extra bite on tackles, and two teams bringing their all with a trip to the Champions League final on the line. No yellow cards yet but they're coming.

 

It didn't end in a goal but that was so good from Tonali

Winning the ball back and setting Diaz up for a shot on target. Onana was there to save the chance but Milan wants this match badly and you can see it in their effort.

 

It's off but there's danger

Dzeko has already rattled the post and Milan's defense is already providing more chances than they'd like. Inter's midfield is well-prepared out of the gate.

 

Inter are 90 minutes from Istanbul

We're off and Milan are being patient in their build up but Inter will be hard to break down.

 

The teams are ready for action

Inter are the team in form but Milan has Leao back so they have a chance in the match.

 

Lineups are in

We've got quite a matchup on deck

Inter: Onana, Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, Martinez, Dzeko

Milan: Maignan, Hernandez, Tomori, Thiaw, Calabria, Tonali, Krunic, Leao, Diaz, Messias, Giroud

 

Milan team news

Junior Messias, Rade Krunic and Ismael Bennacer all missed Spezia along with Leao, and Bennacer's season is now over because of that first-leg injury. Alexis Saelemaekers could fill in for Leao again but Pioli's men missed the Portugal international so they will hope that he can feature for as long as possible. Olivier Giroud should be back up top instead of Divock Origi while captain Davide Calabria is expected to replace Pierre Kalulu.  

 

Inter team news

Two-up and looking fairly comfortable ahead of the second leg, Inzaghi made changes over the weekend and will likely recall Lautaro Martinez, Denzel Dumfries and Andre Onana after they were rested. Federico Dimarco played on with Robin Gosens not yet fully fit and Milan Skriniar is a long-term absentee. Joaquin Correa could be a doubt after taking a knock while Edin Dzeko or Romelu Lukaku are expected to partner Martinez in attack.  

 

Tuesday's broadcast schedule

(All times U.S./Eastern)

 

Hello and welcome

Milan will have Rafael Leo available to push their attack forward in this Milan Derby. Behind 2-0 heading into the match Milan needs a quick start but Inter has been in great form lately. Stopping their attack will be easier said than done but with a trip to the Champions League final on the line, both teams will pull out all the stops.
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