Incisive Inter Milan hand Borussia Dortmund first Champions League defeat of the season

Lautaro Martinez and Antonio Candreva found the net as Inter Milan ended Borussia Dortmund’s unbeaten run in this season’s UEFA Champions League.

Lucien Favre made just one change to the side that beat Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend, with Jadon Sancho coming in for Marco Reus, who missed the game through illness. The Swiss tactician also changed his formation, switching to a back three featuring Manuel Akanji, Julian Weigl and Mats Hummels. Borussia Dortmund started the game on the front foot and enjoyed plenty of the ball early on, but were unable to cause any problems to Inter’s defense.

Dortmund’s build-up play was laboured, allowing Inter Milan to keep their shape and play on the counter attack. And one chance was all Inter needed to hurt Dortmund’s fragile defense. An over the top ball by Stefan de Vrij was met by Lautaro Martinez, who beat the offside trap and controlled the ball with his chest, before coolly finishing past Roman Bürki.

Borussia Dortmund continued to enjoy the majority of possession after the goal, but they had to wait until stoppage time for their first real chance of the game. Jadon Sancho’s low effort from a tight angle was kept out by Samir Handanovic.

The Black and Yellows returned with a bit more intent in the second half, but struggled to penetrate Inter’s defense. Julian Brandt’s deflected shot from the edge of the area was well saved by Handanovic.

The encouraging start to the second half prompted Lucien Favre to bring on Mahmoud Dahoud and Jacob Bruun Larsen, changing his team’s shape to a back four once again. Borussia Dortmund continued to knock on the door, with Sancho coming close once again. But his off balance shot was cleared off the line by Marcelo Brozovic.

As Borussia Dortmund poured men forward, it gave Inter the chance to hurt them on the counter attack. A fine break away ended with Mats Hummels fouling Sebastiano Esposito inside the box. Lautaro Martinez stepped up to take the penalty, but Roman Bürki dived the right way to prevent him from doubling Inter’s lead.

Inter did get their second goal in the 89th minute, when another break allowed Brozovic to send Antonio Candreva through on goal. The Italian international fired his shot past Bürki into the roof of the net, sending the San Siro into raptures.

It ended 2-0 in favour of the hosts, who are now level on points with Borussia Dortmund at the half way stage in the group. The two sides will meet again in two weeks’ time, and Der BVB have their work cut as they look to get the better of the Italian side.