Inter Milan 4-0 Crvena Zvezda: Nerazzurri score three scond-half goal to sweep visitors aside
Inter Milan capitalized on their commendable draw against Manchester City during the opening match of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage by decisively defeating Crvena Zvezda 4-0 at the San Siro.
This outcome further extends the visitors' troubling history against Italian teams, as they have now secured only three victories in 28 encounters with Italian opposition. The first half was characterized by a cautious approach from both sides, until Hakan Calhanoglu delivered a moment of brilliance.
Although renowned for his free-kick prowess, few anticipated that the Turkish midfielder would unleash a powerful 30-yard shot directed towards the goalkeeper's side of the net. The precision of the strike allowed it to curl past a bewildered Omri Glazer in the Red Star goal. Notably, this marked Inter's first Champions League goal from a direct free kick in 14 years.
However, this early goal did not lead to a barrage of scoring for the favored Italians, as the visitors managed to keep the scoreline close due to missed opportunities and contentious officiating.
Both Marko Arnautovic and Denzel Dumfries found the net but were ruled offside, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan squandered a chance from close range just before the interval.
Just nine days after experiencing a derby loss, it was an ex-AC Milan player who inadvertently contributed to Inter's second goal, sealing the visitors' unfortunate fate. Rade Krunic was dispossessed near his own penalty area by a tenacious Mehdi Taremi, who then set up an unmarked Arnautović to score and secure the victory.
The Red-Whites were thoroughly outmatched and endured a relentless onslaught from the Nerazzurri for the remaining 30 minutes. Arnautovic and Carlos Augusto both had opportunities to extend the lead, before a lapse in defense allowed substitute Lautaro Martinez to score just five minutes after his introduction.
Taremi capitalized on a misplaced pass, providing the Argentinian with an uncomplicated opportunity.
With time remaining, the Iranian had the chance to conclude an outstanding individual display, and he confidently converted a penalty, bringing the score to 4-0 and capping off a remarkable evening at the San Siro.
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