inter vs. estrella roja Milan, Italy – In a one-sided UEFA Champions League group stage clash at San Siro, Inter Milan showcased their attacking depth and tactical discipline with a resounding 4–0 victory over Serbian champions Estrella Roja (Red Star Belgrade). The Inter vs. Estrella Roja matchup, anticipated by fans across Europe, did not disappoint—at least for the Nerazzurri faithful.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that Inter intended to dictate the tempo and establish control. Estrella Roja, while enthusiastic and energetic, were simply outclassed by the Serie A giants. This win marks a crucial step in Inter’s European campaign as they seek to progress beyond the group stages with confidence and momentum.
Early Domination and a Statement of Intent
The match began under the iconic floodlights of the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, with Inter pressing high up the pitch and suffocating any attempt by Estrella Roja to build from the back. Just 11 minutes into the match, Turkish playmaker Hakan Çalhanoğlu delivered a stunning free kick from outside the box, curling the ball around the wall and off the post into the net. The early lead gave Inter the upper hand and sent a strong message to their Group C rivals.
Despite Estrella Roja’s efforts to regain composure and carve out possession, Inter maintained pressure with sharp passing combinations and intelligent movement off the ball. The Serbian side managed a few counterattacks, but their attempts were stifled by the solid Inter backline led by Alessandro Bastoni and Stefan de Vrij.
Taremi’s Influence Grows in Second Half Surge
Inter’s halftime lead remained at 1–0, but the second half saw a drastic increase in tempo and intensity. Mehdi Taremi, Inter’s recent signing from Porto, emerged as the key figure in the second half. His off-the-ball movement and vision created problems for the Estrella Roja defense, which began to crumble under mounting pressure.
In the 59th minute, Taremi’s clever through ball split the defense and found Marko Arnautović, who calmly slotted home Inter’s second goal. The connection between the two forwards was evident, and it wouldn’t be long before they linked up again.
Just over ten minutes later, in the 71st minute, Taremi orchestrated another move, this time setting up Lautaro Martínez. The Argentine forward made no mistake from close range, firing home Inter’s third and effectively sealing the match.
As the clock ticked down, Taremi was rewarded for his unselfish play. Fouled in the penalty area in the 80th minute, he stepped up to convert from the spot with confidence, netting his first goal in the Inter shirt. His performance—one goal and two assists—earned him man of the match honors and widespread praise from fans and pundits alike.
Tactical Discipline and Depth on Display
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi has been praised for his use of squad rotation and tactical flexibility. Against Estrella Roja, he demonstrated once again why he is regarded as one of Europe’s most astute tacticians. With several key players rested, including Nicolò Barella and Denzel Dumfries, Inzaghi relied on depth and experience to carry the team.
The 3-5-2 formation allowed Inter to control the midfield with Marcelo Brozović and Henrikh Mkhitaryan pulling the strings, while wingbacks Federico Dimarco and Matteo Darmian provided width and energy on both flanks. The balance between defensive stability and attacking flair was evident throughout the match.
Estrella Roja, on the other hand, struggled to cope with the intensity and organization of their opponents. Their attempts to find space in midfield were continually thwarted, and they rarely tested Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
Match Statistics: Numbers Tell the Story
The match statistics paint a clear picture of Inter’s dominance:
-
Possession: Inter 53%, Estrella Roja 47%
-
Shots on Target: Inter 7, Estrella Roja 3
-
Total Shots: Inter 15, Estrella Roja 9
-
Pass Accuracy: Inter 88%, Estrella Roja 80%
-
Corners: Inter 4, Estrella Roja 2
-
Fouls Committed: Inter 10, Estrella Roja 14
Estrella Roja’s shot count may seem respectable, but most of their efforts came from distance or under heavy pressure, with few posing a real threat.
Reaction from Players and Coaches
Speaking after the game, Inzaghi praised his team’s attitude:
“We knew this match was important not just for points, but for confidence. I’m proud of how the players responded. Taremi and Arnautović gave us quality and presence up front, and the midfield controlled the game beautifully.”
Taremi, who was mobbed by teammates after his penalty goal, expressed his joy:
“It’s a great feeling to score my first goal for this club. More than that, I’m happy to help the team win. We have big goals this season, and performances like this give us belief.”
Estrella Roja coach Barak Bakhar acknowledged his side’s struggle:
“Inter is a top team with a lot of quality. We tried to stay compact and hit on the counter, but they made it very difficult. We will analyze and come back stronger.”
What It Means: Group Implications
This emphatic win places Inter in a strong position in their Champions League group, especially after their opening draw against Manchester City. With four points from two matches, they now look ahead to a vital clash against Swiss side Young Boys, knowing that another win could all but secure a knockout round berth.
Estrella Roja, having also lost to Benfica in their opening game, face an uphill battle. With zero points from two games and tough fixtures remaining, their Champions League hopes hang in the balance.
Looking Ahead
The Inter vs. Estrella Roja encounter proved to be a masterclass from the Italian side, highlighting their ambitions in Europe this season. With strong leadership, squad depth, and players like Taremi hitting form, Inter Milan is quickly emerging as a serious contender in the 2024–25 Champions League.
For Estrella Roja, the match was a harsh reminder of the gulf in class that still exists at the highest level of European competition. Yet, with passion and resolve, the Serbian side will look to regroup and make their mark in the matches to come.