Inter Milan did everything required on the pitch but still missed out on a direct ticket to the UEFA Champions League (UCL) round of 16 after a hard-fought 2-0 victory away to Borussia Dortmund. The win was not enough to secure a top-eight finish, as results elsewhere went against the Nerazzurri, pushing them into the knockout play-off round alongside the German giants.
Both teams entered the final league-phase match knowing only a win – and a bit of luck – would give them any realistic chance of automatic qualification. In the end, Inter delivered, but fate had other plans.
Cautious Start as Both Sides Feel the Pressure
With so much at stake, the opening half was played at a tense and cautious tempo. Dortmund looked slightly more dangerous early on, creating the best chance of the half when Serhou Guirassy found himself unmarked inside the six-yard box. However, his rushed effort went straight into the gloves of Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
Inter also had moments to threaten. Federico Dimarco’s fierce volley forced Gregor Kobel into action, while defender Yann Bisseck nearly surprised the home crowd with an ambitious effort that sailed just over the bar. Ange-Yoan Bonny’s late header before halftime summed up the first half – promising build-up, but lacking a clinical finish.
Second-Half Intensity as Qualification Hopes Grow
The pace improved after the break, especially as news filtered through that other UCL results could favour the winner of this match. Inter began to dominate possession and created several clear chances.
Young striker Francesco Pio Esposito tested Dortmund’s defence twice, with Ramy Bensebaini making a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny a specific goal. Dortmund still posed a threat on the counter, but lacked the cutting edge to trouble Sommer.
Dimarco Delivers the Breakthrough
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute. Henrikh Mkhitaryan earned a free-kick just outside the box, and Dimarco stepped up with confidence. The Italian full-back produced a stunning curling effort over the wall and into the top corner, silencing the Signal Iduna Park crowd.
Dortmund never truly recovered from that blow. Inter remained composed and sealed the win deep into stoppage time when Andy Diouf found space in the box and slotted in a deflected second goal.
Play-Off Awaits Despite Victory
Although Inter claimed a crucial three points, late wins by Chelsea and Sporting Lisbon meant Simone Inzaghi’s men finished 10th on goal difference, just outside the automatic qualification spots. Dortmund, who failed to win any of their last three league-phase matches, also dropped into the unseeded play-off positions.
Both teams now face an extra hurdle on the road to European glory, with two high-pressure matches standing between them and the last 16.
What This Means for Inter and Dortmund
For Inter, this result shows strong mentality and depth, especially away from home. However, they will be disappointed not to capitalise fully after such a professional performance. Dortmund, on the other hand, must quickly regroup after another frustrating night in front of their home fans.
With the knockout play-offs approaching, both sides remain serious contenders, but there is now no room for error.
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