Ludogorets 0-2 Inter: Report, Ratings and Reaction as Eriksen’s First Goal Helps Nerazzurri to Win

Christian Eriksen scored his first goal for Inter as the Nerazzurri defeated Ludogorets 2-0 in the first leg of the teams’ Europa League Round of 32 clash. 

?The hosts managed to frustrate Antonio Conte’s side early on, slowing the tempo of the game and defending in numbers.

Antonio Biraghi and ?Eriksen were both afforded half chances, ?but neither player was able to convert meaning the first half finished goalless. 

Inter improved after the introduction of ?Romelu Lukaku from the bench on the hour mark. They eventually got their reward for some promising attacks when Eriksen fired a shot home from the edge of the box after some neat build-up play. 

The visitors were given the chance to double their lead when they were awarded a last-minute penalty after a review by VAR; Lukaku converted from the spot to secure his side a 2-0 win. 

Here’s 90min’s verdict of the game…

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LUDOGORETS

Player Ratings 

Starting XI: Ivanov (7); Cicinho (5), Terziev (6), Grigore (6), Nedyalkov (6); Dyakov (6), Anicet (6), Oliveira-Souza (5), Marcelinho (5), Swierczok (5), Wanderson (5)

Substitutes: Badji (5), Tchibota (5)

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INTER

Key Talking Point 

?With Conte making seven changes to the side that suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of Lazio on Sunday, this marked a big opportunity for some of Inter’s fringe players to stake a claim for a starting spot. 

Despite the rewards on offer, the Nerazzurri put in a lacklustre first half display that was devoid of any intensity and creativity going forward. 

In the end it took the introduction of Lukaku to spark Inter’s attack into life. The club’s star man provided the assist for Eriksen’s opening goal and added a much needed focal point to bring the midfield into the game.

Tonight showed how dependent Inter are on their top scorer, and with Lautaro Martinez ruled out of the second leg through suspension, Conte will likely have to call on Lukaku again. 

This will prevent the big Belgian from being rested in a potentially season-defining period in ?Serie A over the next month.

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Player Ratings

Starting XI: Padelli (6); Moses (6), Godin (7*), Ranocchia (7), D’Ambrosio (7), Biraghi (6); Vecino (5), Borja Valero (6), Eriksen (7); Martinez (5), Sanchez (5) 

Substitutes: Lukaku (7), Young (6), Barella (6)

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Diego Godin

?After his former teammates at ?Atlético Madrid put in a spirited performances against ?Liverpool on Tuesday night, Diego Godin himself pulled out a fine European display against the Bulgarian champions. 

The Uruguayan drove his team forward with some marauding runs and played a key role in Inter’s imperious defensive display, which restricted Ludogorets to just one attempt all evening.

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Looking Ahead

Ludogorets return to action on Sunday and they will be looking to extend their seven-point lead at the top of the Bulgarian First League when they face mid-table Etar. ?

Inter also play on Sunday, with Conte’s side hosting struggling Sampdoria in Serie A. The Nerazzurri will be hoping to secure three points to close the gap on league leaders ?Juventus. 

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