Džeko and Mkhitaryan give Inter first-leg derby victory over Milan

Edin Džeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan both scored in the first 11 minutes as Inter claimed a first-leg lead over city rivals Milan and took a significant step towards a first UEFA Champions League final in 13 years.

Inter made a flying start and took the lead with eight minutes gone when Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s corner towards the far post was met by the alert Edin Džeko who brilliantly volleyed past Mike Maignan.

It was 2-0 three minutes later when Federico Dimarco’s low cross was left by Lautaro Martínez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan was able to run through and fire in.

Çalhanoğlu’s effort from 25 metres then rattled the post and Maignan saved Mkhitaryan’s follow-up. Milan came into the game more as the first half wore on, but Maignan had to make a fine stop to deny Džeko in the second half as Inter sought a third.

Sandro Tonali’s shot clipped the outside of the post for the hosts and Tommaso Pogeba sent an effort straight at André Onana late on but Milan have plenty of work to do in Tuesday’s second leg.

Reaction

Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Player of the Match: “From the very first minute we played with a desire to win. We scored two goals in the first half. We controlled the game more in the second half but we won. Great credit to my team-mates but it’s not over, we need to prepare as best as we can for the second leg.”

Stefano Pioli, Milan coach: “Inter were the better side, and the game became complicated, both tactically and mentally. We’re disappointed, but want to change this result in the second leg.”

Simone Inzaghi, Inter coach: “I am very satisfied. We had an extraordinary first half, we could have scored more than two goals but it was a great match. We are ahead, now there will be the return leg at home with our fans. We know that we still have to make a huge effort before start dreaming.”

Fikayo Tomori, Milan defender: “This defeat comes from the start, we conceded twice and it’s difficult to turn things around against Inter. We have to believe we can reach the final. We’re disappointed but it’s only the first leg. We know they are strong, but if we play to our strengths we can give them a tough time.”