Inter Milan clinched a significant Champions League win against Arsenal at the San Siro, with Hakan Calhanoglu’s flawless penalty record proving decisive. The 1-0 victory marked the first goal conceded by Arsenal in this season’s Champions League campaign.
Despite making several changes to their lineup, Inter started the match with intensity. Denzel Dumfries struck the crossbar early on, while Calhanoglu narrowly missed the target from distance. The hosts continued to create chances, with Mehdi Taremi nearly setting up Lautaro Martinez for a tap-in.
Arsenal, missing key players but welcoming back Martin Odegaard to the bench, gradually grew into the game, applying pressure through a series of corners. However, it was Inter who broke the deadlock when a Calhanoglu free-kick led to a handball by Mikel Merino. Calhanoglu calmly converted the resulting penalty, maintaining his perfect record from the spot.
The Gunners responded with increased attacking intent, forcing Inter’s defense into action. Yann Sommer made a crucial save from Kai Havertz, while Bisseck’s vital block denied the Arsenal midfielder a clear opportunity to equalize.
The match’s intensity was evident when Havertz had to leave the field after a clash of heads with Bisseck. In the dying moments, Arsenal’s young talent Nwaneri came close but failed to find the target.
Goals: Calhanoglu pen 45+3 (I)
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bisseck; Dumfries, Frattesi (62′ Barella), Calhanoglu (71′ Asllani), Zielinski (62′ Mkhitaryan), Darmian; Taremi (79′ Dimarco), Lautaro Martinez (62′ Thuram)
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber (82′ Zinchenko); Havertz (90+2′ Odegaard), Partey, Merino (46′ Gabriel Jesus); Saka, Trossard (82′ Nwaneri), Martinelli.
