Inter reached their first Champions League final in 13 years, with a goal from Lautaro Martinez helping them beat arch-rivals AC Milan at the San Siro.

As designated hosts, Inter strongly backed a frenetic San Siro side as Inter Milan had to withstand the early pressure as Milan’s determined start ensured the game started at a frenetic pace.

Theo Hernandez edged in with a ferocious shot and Brahim Diaz was blocked by Andre Onana as Stefano Pioli’s side played last week Conceded two goals in 11 minutes, trying to recover the loss.

The talented Rafael Leo, who missed Milan’s first leg with a thigh injury, returned with a flash of inspiration but agonized over the far post after breaking through from the left.

As the first half progressed, Inter showed their quality and the draw could have been had it not been for Mike Maignan’s save from Edin Dzeko’s header from close range. Effectively ends before halftime.

After a largely peaceful second half, Inter left Milan with little encouragement and Martinez sent the ball under Maignan with 16 minutes to go, sending it into the corner to the delight of the Inter fans.

The whistle blew and the deafening sound rang out as Inter Milan clinched their first Champions League title since their success in 2010.

Disciplined Inter handle chances to reach final

Simone Inzaghi is happy to accept Tuesday’s second leg to represent “one of the most important games in Inter’s history”, with the Italian showing confidence in the same 11 games that arguably should have been played a week earlier Finish.

He and his players could have expected a different game – including an intense start to their historic rivals – as they returned in front of a frenzied 80,000 San Siro fans to wrap up the first Milan derby in European competition in 20 years . .

That was exactly the situation they faced as the seven-time champions pushed for an early goal in an attempt to ignite a memorable comeback, with both Diaz and Leo coming very close.

However, they had to rely on goalkeeper Maignan to keep hope alive at the other end of the pitch and the alert France international also made a fine save to stop Nicolo Barella before seeing the offside flag raised.

But any hopes of a late counter-attack were dashed by Martinez’s fine display and, for the second time ever, an Inter supporter was able to secure a fourth win over Milan in a season as their side comfortably the final stage.

Inter will enter the final as underdogs, against either Real Madrid or Manchester City, and they will need a near-perfect performance to beat either of them.

But Inzaghi’s side are confident of creating an upset after not falling behind in any Champions League knockout games this season and holding a leading eight clean sheets.

When does the Champions League final start?

The 2023 UEFA Champions League final will take place in Istanbul, Turkey at 20:00 BST on June 10, when Inter Milan will face either Manchester City or Real Madrid.