We know the first finalist of the Champions League 2022-2023. It is Inter Milan. The Nerazzuri beat their rival AC Milan 1-0 in the second leg of the semi-final, after a 2-0 win in the first leg. Sport News Africa gives you his top and flops from the match.
Tops
Lautaro Martinez
The goal that changes everything, he gets it for the night. Lautaro Martinez, nicknamed "El Toro" (the bull), held his position perfectly. He was a permanent problems to the big Milanese defenders during the whole game. In the 74th minute, the Argentinean world champion will definitely put Inter in the spot by scoring the goal of 1-0 on a beautiful pass from Romelu Lukaku, who entered a few minutes earlier. The public was not mistaken in giving him a standing ovation when he replaced in the 84th minute. To think that during the same season, he will know a World Cup final and a Champions League final. The dream is coming true for him
Nicolò Barella
The metronome of Inter. Very valuable in the first leg, the small pocket midfielder has again disgusted his opponents in the midfield. Technically superior, the 26-year-old also put intensity and generosity in his game. In midfield, he reigned supreme. Moreover, Nicolò Barella almost opened the score before Lautaro Martinez the 26-year-old midfielder was everywhere. In the recovery, coverage, projection and construction of the game. His performances since his arrival at Inter place him unquestionably among the best in his position.
Sandro Tonali
Without a doubt, along with Mike Maignan, the only Milanese player who can rise to the occasion. The man nicknamed the new Pirlo tried everything in the heart of the game of the Rossoneri. Unfortunately for him, alongside him, the level was not there.
Flops
Rafael Leão
Absent from the first leg because of injury, he was expected to be the savior angel of AC Milan. But the Portuguese disappointed. Borrowed on the rare occasions when he touched the ball in dangerous areas, the former Lille player did not contribute anything offensively. This, while he is the offensive reference of his team with 13 goals and 10 assists this season.
Olivier Giroud
The number 9 of Milan did not exist at all in this game. Caught in the Inter defence, late on some crosses and surprisingly passive in the duels, the former Arsenal player missed his game. It's not surprising that AC Milan had only one shot on target in the match. His failure combined with that of Rafael Leão explains perfectly the sterility of the Milanese attack. But no wonder, because despite his experience and age (36 years), Olivier Giroud is not used to the Champions League semi-finals.
