UCL 2024-25: Inter Milan’s Narrow Win Over Leipzig Takes Them to the Top

• Inter Milan’s 1-0 victory over Leipzig boosts them to the top of their Champions League group, bringing them closer to securing direct qualification for the last 16.
• The match was decided by a first-half own goal from Castello Lukeba, with Inter extending their winning streak to four matches in the competition.
• Despite dominating, Inter’s performance lacked clinical finishing, with several missed opportunities, while Leipzig continues to struggle with injuries and remain winless.
• Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer played a key role, saving Leipzig’s only shot on target to preserve the lead.

Inter Milan continued their strong push for Champions League qualification with a 1-0 victory over Leipzig on Tuesday, moving to the top of their group. The decisive moment came in the 27th minute when Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba inadvertently scored an own goal from a powerful Federico Dimarco cross. This result extended Inter’s winning streak to four matches in Europe’s premier club competition.

Though Inter dominated the match, they failed to capitalize on several chances. Lautaro Martinez missed an early opportunity in the 18th minute, and Denzel Dumfries squandered a golden chance to double the lead early in the second half. Despite their dominance, Inter allowed Leipzig to mount a brief challenge after the break, though their efforts were limited.

Leipzig, still without a point after five Champions League defeats, struggled with injuries and lack of squad depth. Head coach Marco Rose had to travel with just 17 players, and the team’s misfortune worsened when Assan Ouedraogo was forced off with an injury. Although Leipzig finally tested Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer with a shot from Antonio Nusa, the Swiss keeper was up to the task, preserving the clean sheet.

With the win, Inter now sits a point ahead of Barcelona and Liverpool, who are also contending for top spot in the group. The Italian champions will look to maintain their momentum when they return to Serie A action against Fiorentina on Sunday.