Champions league : Advantage Inter as Arnautovic strikes

MILAN, February 21

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A late goal from substitute Marko Arnautovic gave Inter Milan a 1-0 home victory after a tough battle with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 stage tie on Tuesday.

The Austria striker, who had replaced the injured Marcus Thuram at halftime, redeemed himself following several missed chances by squeezing the ball home after Lautaro Martinez’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Jan Oblak in the 79th minute.

It was only the second time the teams had played each other, with Atletico winning 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup back in 2010.

“It’s very satisfying. The lads were wonderful against a physical, technical side that did not make it at all easy,” Inter manager Simone Inzaghi said.

Dortmund fume

Berlin: Borussia Dortmund were left fuming over a penalty decision in their Round of 16 first leg that earned hosts PSV Eindhoven a 1-1 draw.

Donyell Malen had scored a superb goal for the visitors against his former side before Eindhoven’s Luuk de Jong converted the spot kick in the 56th minute at the Philips Stadion.

“Zero percent penalty, zero,” Dortmund defender Mats Hummels said of his challenge on Malik Tillman.

“I go in for the tackle, I clearly get the ball first, I change its course and then I make minimal contact. Tillman was cracking up laughing, grinning for several minutes,” he added. — Reuters