Champions League | Round of 16 | 2nd Leg

Mar 11, 2025 at 8pm UK

Stadio Giuseppe Meazza

Inter Milan vs Feyenoord

(agg: 2-0)

Match preview

Despite Piotr Zielinski's penalty being saved by Timon Wellenreuther in a typically atmospheric De Kuip, Inter won the opener thanks to goals from star striker Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez.

The latter's 18th Champions League goal also put him one clear of legendary striker Sandro Mazzola, making him the Italian club's all-time leading scorer in Europe's elite competition.

While Feyenoord needed a play-off to reach this stage, Inter have been dominant in continental competition this season - finishing fourth in the league phase to qualify directly - and are now 90 minutes away from a likely quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich.

Simone Inzaghi's side have played 875 minutes of Champions League football this term, and have only been behind for 285 seconds in a late defeat to Bayer Leverkusen - the only goal they have conceded in nine games.

Having won each of their last five European home games without conceding a goal, the Nerazzurri's fans can expect their team to progress without too much fuss.

Not only have the three-time European champions - and runners-up two years ago - lost just three of their last 24 Champions League games, but they are also leading the Serie A title race.

In all competitions, Inter have won 28 and lost just five of their 41 games this season, recently overtaking Napoli in the fight for the Scudetto.

Inzaghi's men are leading the way in the closest race for Italy's top four this century, securing a 3-2 victory over lowly Monza on Saturday, when they finally avoided embarrassment by coming from two goals down at the San Siro.

Having reached the last 16 for the first time in the Champions League era, Feyenoord are aiming to become only the fourth team to beat both Milan clubs in the same continental competition.

The 1970 European champions may have eliminated Inter's city rivals AC Milan in the play-offs, but they were thrashed by the Nerazzurri in Rotterdam and are winless in their last eight away games against Italian opposition.

A remarkable run of bad luck with injuries - and a degree of mismanagement - has seen the Eredivisie giants go through two coaches since the departure of Arne Slot, with legend Robin van Persie in charge for the first leg.

Prior to the former striker's appointment, Feyenoord had suffered three defeats in eight league games - the most in their previous 50 - although prior to last week's defeat they were unbeaten in six.

With a long list of absentees to contend with, history also suggests that an incredible comeback may be beyond them: in 26 Champions League away games, they have only ever won by more than a single goal, beating Benfica 3-1 in Lisbon earlier this season.

However, Van Persie cannot complain that he has been given every opportunity to prepare his troops, with the Dutch FA giving Feyenoord the weekend off from domestic duties.

Sitting 16 points adrift of the top spot in the Netherlands and already eliminated from the KNVB Beker, Feyenoord can go all out on Tuesday.

Recent Performance

Inter Milan Champions League form:WWLWWW

Inter Milan form (all competitions):LWWDWW

Feyenoord Champions League form:WWLWDL

Feyenoord form (all competitions):WDDWDL

Team News

Inter made a number of changes on Saturday, resting Marcus Thuram and bringing back their tried and tested midfield unit, but Simone Inzaghi is likely to recall his French striker for midweek.

Lautaro Martinez, who will partner Thuram up front, has scored six goals in nine Champions League appearances this season. Only three Inter players have ever scored more in a single campaign: Hernan Crespo in 2002-03 (nine), Samuel Eto'o in 2010-11 (eight) and Adriano in 2004-05 (seven).

While the hosts are still without several full-backs - Matteo Darmian, Federico Dimarco and Nicola Zalewski - through injury, Carlos Augusto returned to action against Monza as a second-half substitute. This allowed Alessandro Bastoni, who had been deputising on the left, to resume his role at the heart of the defence.

First-choice goalkeeper Yann Sommer also returned to the bench following thumb surgery, although it remains to be seen whether the veteran stopper is ready to take over from deputy Josep Martinez.

Dutch centre-back Stefan de Vrij is an option at the back, having joined Feyenoord as a 10-year-old more than two decades ago before enjoying a successful spell in Italy.

Meanwhile, the visitors' injury crisis continues and up to 10 players could miss the trip to Milan. Hwang In-beom, Bart Nieuwkoop, Gernot Trauner, Calvin Stengs, goalkeeper Justin Bijlow and captain Quinten Timber are the most notable absentees.

Teenage defender Givairo Read returns from suspension, but Ibrahim Osman will serve a one-match ban for accumulating bookings following his yellow card in the first leg.

Igor Paixao has been the main creative force up front, playing a part in four goals in five Champions League away games this season, and the Brazilian winger will look to provide support for lone striker Julian Carranza.

Possible starting lineup

Inter Milan possible starting lineup:

J. Martinez; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Zielinski, Augusto; L. Martinez, Thuram

Feyenoord possible starting lineup:

Wellenreuther; Read, Beelen, Hancko, Bueno; Moder, Smal; Hadj Moussa, Paixao, Ivanusec; Carranza