The Argentine opens the scoring, Carlos Augusto restores the lead, and Pio Esposito provides the spark as Chivu’s Inter make it four wins from four in the Champions League League Phase.
Inter continued their flawless run in the Champions League with a 2–1 victory over Kairat Almaty at San Siro, maintaining top spot alongside Bayern Munich and Arsenal. It wasn’t a vintage display from Cristian Chivu’s side, but it was enough to secure a fourth straight win and move a step closer to qualification for the knockout stage.
The Nerazzurri started strongly, pressing high and creating chances through Dimarco and Lautaro Martínez, only to be denied by Kairat’s defenders Sorokin and Anarbekov. A controversial penalty call in the 19th minute — initially awarded for a challenge on Bisseck — was overturned by VAR, correctly ruling the foul in favor of the visitors.
Kairat grew in confidence as the half went on and nearly shocked the San Siro crowd when Satpayev’s deflected strike clipped the crossbar. But just before the break, Inter’s captain made the difference: Lautaro pounced on a loose ball in the box and, at the second attempt, buried it from close range for 1–0.
After halftime, Chivu replaced Lautaro with Bonny, but the visitors stunned Inter in the 56th minute. Arad was left completely unmarked on a corner and powered a header past Sommer to make it 1–1, punishing sloppy marking from Dumfries and De Vrij.
Inter’s response was immediate. In the 67th minute, young Pio Esposito — lively throughout — teed up Carlos Augusto, who unleashed a fierce left-footed strike into the top corner to restore the lead. The Brazilian’s goal proved decisive, as Inter held firm to claim another European victory despite a few defensive scares.
With 12 points from four matches, Chivu’s Inter look set for early qualification — though their next games will offer a clearer picture of whether this new era can match the European steel of the Inzaghi years.
Match Report
UEFA Champions League – League Phase
Venue: Stadio San Siro (Milan)
Scorers:
- 45’ Lautaro Martínez (Inter)
- 56’ Arad (Kairat Almaty)
- 67’ Carlos Augusto (Inter)
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck (80′ Akanji), De Vrij, Carlos Augusto; Dumfries, Frattesi (63′ Sucic), Barella (71′ Çalhanoğlu), Zieliński, Dimarco; Lautaro Martínez (46′ Bonny), Pio Esposito (71′ Thuram).
Coach: Chivu
Kairat Almaty (4-2-3-1): Anarbekov; Mrynskiy, Sorokin, Shirobokov, Luís Mata; Arad (71′ Baibek), Kassabulat (76′ Sadybekov); Gromyko (46′ Tapalov), Jorginho (76′ Zaria), Satpayev; Edmilson (71′ Ricardinho).
Coach: Urazbakhtin
Referee: Godinho
Bookings: Jorginho (Kairat), Barella (Inter)
Notes: VAR overturned a penalty decision for Inter in the 19th minute
