(foto: Getty Images)
Inter took a major step towards the Champions League quarter-finals with a solid 2-0 victory over Feyenoord in Rotterdam.
The Italian side dominated the first leg, leaving Robin van Persie with a difficult task in his first major test as Feyenoord’s head coach.
The Dutch side, who shocked AC Milan in the playoff round, struggled against a well-organized Inter team. Marcus Thuram opened the scoring in the first half with an acrobatic finish after a precise cross from Nicolò Barella. Lautaro Martínez doubled the lead with a powerful strike inside the box, putting Inter in full control.
Feyenoord had their chances, hitting the crossbar in a moment of frustration for the home crowd. Inter could have extended their lead from the penalty spot, but Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow pulled off a crucial save to keep his team’s hopes alive.
The result leaves Feyenoord needing a huge performance in the return leg in Milan, where overturning a two-goal deficit against one of Europe’s most experienced sides will be a daunting challenge.
For Robin van Persie, this was his second match in charge of the Dutch club, having recently taken over as head coach. The former Arsenal, Manchester United, and Fenerbahçe star will now look to inspire his team to a remarkable comeback in Italy.