Inter secures crucial 1-0 victory over Arsenal in UCL

In a highly anticipated Champions League matchup, Inter Milan edged out Arsenal with a 1-0 win at the San Siro. The narrow victory allowed Inter to strengthen their position in the competition, while Arsenal struggled to capitalize on their chances.

Early opportunities and Dumfries' near miss

The match kicked off with high energy, and Inter set the tone early. Just two minutes in, Denzel Dumfries fired a powerful shot with the outside of his boot, only to see his attempt hit the crossbar. The chance was a warning shot for Arsenal, who had to deal with Inter’s relentless pace from the start. Dumfries was actively involved throughout the first half, engaging in one-on-one duels with fellow Dutchman Jurriën Timber. The intensity remained high, with both sides looking for a breakthrough. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Inter’s persistence paid off.

Calhanoglu’s penalty breaks the deadlock

Inter found their lead just before the halftime whistle through a penalty. A free-kick from Mikel Merino took an unlucky deflection off his own hand, leading the referee to award a penalty to Inter. Hakan Calhanoglu, known for his composure from the spot, stepped up and delivered a confident strike down the middle, putting Inter ahead 1-0 as the teams headed into the break.

Arteta’s lively sideline moment and Arsenal’s second-half pressure

In the second half, Arsenal pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Manager Mikel Arteta was animated on the sidelines, attempting to grab the ball near the touchline—only to realize it hadn’t crossed out of play yet. The referee shared a laugh with Arteta, though he handed the Arsenal manager a yellow card for his enthusiasm. As Arsenal pressed higher, Inter found more space on the counterattack. Dumfries continued to be a threat, firing a low shot in the 72nd minute that narrowly missed the goal. Despite Arsenal’s sustained pressure, Inter’s defense held firm, blocking off opportunities and preventing any clear chances from materializing.

Inter holds on to secure a key victory

The final whistle blew with Inter taking a hard-earned 1-0 victory. The win further boosts Inter’s Champions League campaign, leaving Arsenal frustrated and unable to find the equalizer they sought. With Dutch players starring on both sides, the match showcased strong defensive displays and a competitive spirit. For Inter, the result is a confidence boost as they continue their European journey. Arsenal, meanwhile, will need to regroup and refocus for the remaining matches if they hope to advance in the competition.