The Champions League quarter-final between Benfica and Inter Milan was an absolute emotional rollercoaster! You could feel the desperation in the air as Inter Milan needed a win after going six games without one, and boy did they deliver! 

The 51st minute was pure magic as Nicolo Barella scored a brilliant header, nodding in a long cross from Alessandro Bastoni. The fans went wild, the atmosphere was electric, and the excitement just kept building! And then, just when we thought it couldn't get any better, Romelu Lukaku came off the bench and scored a nerve-wracking penalty kick in the 82nd minute!

Benfica may have started strong and dominated the pace of the game, but they couldn't keep up with Inter's pace and clinical finishing. Still, let's give them credit, they had an impressive record in the Champions League this season, winning 13 of their previous 15 matches in all competitions. 

This win was a game-changer for Inter, putting them in a strong position to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time in over a decade! The winner of the quarter-final between Benfica vs Inter will face off against the winner of the AC Milan vs Napoli match-up, and fans are already on the edge of their seats for the second leg! 

With their winning form reignited, Inter is on fire, and they're in a great position to continue their momentum and make a strong run for European glory. 

Benfica vs Inter Milan: Line up

The anticipation was palpable as two of Europe's heavyweights, Inter Milan and Benfica, faced off in this crucial Quarter final first leg match. Inter Milan's defence looked rock-solid, with Onana between the sticks and a solid backline of Dumfries, Acerbi, and Bastoni. The midfield is an imposing force, with the likes of Barella, Brozovic, and Mkhitaryan. Martinez and Dzeko led the attack with their clinical finishing skills. 

But Benfica's lineup was no slouch either, with the towering Vlachodimos in goal and a well-rounded squad including the skilful Gilberto, powerhouse Silva, and the creative genius Aursnes. It was a fierce battle, with both teams giving it their all on the field.

Benfica vs Inter Milan: As it happened.

The first half

The Benfica vs Inter first half was a nail-biter with the score remaining at 0-0, but the tension remained high. Both teams had their moments, with Benfica making better moves, and Inter looking dangerous on the counter.

Inter's chances have been few and far between, but they seemed to have found their groove as the first half progressed. They managed to get some crisp low crosses into the box twice in two minutes, but nobody was on the other end to convert. They did have a shot on target, but unfortunately, it was offside.

On the other hand, Benfica looked more dangerous with their threats on both wings. Grimaldo on the left, Joo Mário on the right, and Rafa darting between them had outshone Ramos so far. Benfica had been putting together some great moves, but unfortunately, their shots have either been off target or blocked by the Inter defence.

Both teams had been clumsy, which resulted in some fouls and yellow cards. Antonio Silva, who may now be on one and a half yellows, made another foul, resulting in his first yellow card of the night. 

The first half had been intense, and both teams fought tooth and nail to get a goal. 

The second half

Inter came out with all guns blazing in the Benfica vs Inter second half and created some killer chances! Nicolo Barella buried one of those chances in the back of the net, thanks to an amazing cross from Bastoni! It was a sweet, sweet moment for all the Inter fans out there!

But wait, Benfica wasn't ready to give up just yet! They tried to respond and nearly hit back, but Inter's defence was like a fortress! They were solid as a rock, and nothing was getting past them! 

And just when we thought things couldn't get any better for Inter, Romelu Lukaku stepped up to the penalty spot in the 82nd minute, and BAM! He doubled Inter's lead with ease after VAR checked for handball against João Mário. The Inter fans were going absolutely crazy! They knew victory was within their grasp!

Benfica had one last chance to make something happen, but alas, it was not meant to be. Ramos hit the ball straight at Onana, and the Inter fans erupted in joy! The players ran to their fans, embracing them, knowing that they were on the verge of making it to the semi-finals!

Match takeaway

Benfica, led by Roger Schmidt, was hoping to make it to the semifinals for the first time in over three decades, but man, did they fall short! Inter, despite their recent lacklustre performances, came through with a cool and calculated game, showing off their professional skills. And it paid off big time! This victory gives Inter an amazing shot at an all-Italian semifinal against either Serie A leader Napoli or city rival AC Milan. And the icing on the cake? They get to do it all in front of their home crowd at the San Siro on April 20th for the second leg. It's going to be epic!