Inter close in on Champions League semi-finals | The Express Tribune
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LISBON: Inter Milan put one foot into the Champions League semi-finals with a comfortable 2-0 win at Benfica on Tuesday, with Nicolo Barella and Romelu Lukaku netting in Lisbon. The Italians, three-time winners, took a commanding quarter-final first leg lead at the Estadio da Luz, inflicting Benfica's first defeat in the competition. After an even first half, Barella headed home from Alessandro Bastoni's cross and substitute Romelu Lukaku netted the second from the penalty spot late on. Roger Schmidt's Benfica, aiming to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1990, were not able to put a glove on the visitors, who controlled the pace of the game. Despite Inter's poor form, they conjured a patient, professional display when they needed it most. Having scored two goals in their previous five games across all competitions, they managed the same tally in Lisbon with clinical finishing. "It's been one of our best games this season,"