Real Madrid got their UEFA Champions League campaign off to a winning start at Inter Milan on Wednesday evening.
Result: Inter Milan 0-1 Real Madrid
Date: 15 September 2021
Venue: San Siro
Carlo Ancelotti made two changes from the big win over Celta Vigo as David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez replaced Miguel Gutierrez and Eden Hazard, while Gareth Bale missed out though injury.
Inter opted for Edin Dzeko and Lautaro Martinez in the attack as Alessandro Bastoni replaced Federico Dimarco in the defence after the draw with Sampdoria.
The home side got off to a lively start as Dzeko was denied by Thibaut Courtois before Milan Skriniar went close with a header from Hakan Calhanoglu's cross in the opening 10 minutes.
The Serie A champions should have gone ahead on 20 minutes when Ivan Perisic's cross found Martinez who headed straight at Courtois from close range.
Los Blancos, meanwhile, had to wait until the 37th minute for a real opening at goal when Eder Militao rose well to meet Luka Modric's cross but the defender somehow steered his header wide of the upright.
The game opened up a bit more in the second half, with both sides carving out chances as Federico Valverde went close with a long-range effort before Courtois produced a fine save to deny Dzeko's header.
Ancelotti introduced Rodrygo for Lucas Vazquez with 25 minutes to go in the half while Inter boss Simone Inzaghi threw on Joaquin Correa and Arturo Vidal moments later.
With the game seemingly headed for a goalless draw, Ancelotti's substitute made the perfect impact after Rodrogy snatched the winning goal on 89 minutes after being set up by fellow substitute Eduardo Camavinga.
