By admin 
Lautaro Martinez became Inter’s all-time top scorer in the Champions League after netting the second of his team’s two goals as the Italian side ran out 2-0 winners over Feyenoord in the Round of 16 first leg.
Martinez thumped home his 18th goal in the competition just after half-time to overtake Sandro Mazzola as Nerazzurri took a big step to reaching the last eight.
Marcus Thuram had given the visitors the lead in Rotterdam and they could have all but sealed the contest after the hour had the host’s keeper Timon Wellenreuther not kept out Piotr Zielinski’s penalty.
The result means new Feyenoord boss Robin Van Persie has a monumental task on his hands at the San Siro next week if the Dutch have any hope of progressing.
Inter, meanwhile, will be full of confidence going into the second leg as they look to go one better than in 2023 when they were beaten finalists against Manchester City.
How the action unfolded
For much of the opening exchanges the Serie A side offered very little threat going forward. However, that all changed on 37-minutes when a sweeping move down Inter’s right-hand side culminated in the ball being lofted into the box.
Thuram reacted faster than either the Feyenoord keeper and defenders, leaping into the air to poke the ball into the roof of the net.
Brilliant cross, brilliant finish! 💥
Marcus Thuram gives Inter the lead in Rotterdam! 🔵🔝
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 5, 2025
The goal seemed to spark life into Simone Inzaghi’s men. And, less than five minutes after the break, Inter doubled their lead when Martinez rifled home from close range after some pinball in the Feyenoord penalty area.
HE SMASHED THAT ONE HOME!! ☄️
Lautaro Martinez puts the visitors in full control of the tie! ⚔️
📺 Watch the Champions League LIVE on @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/acgdJmZwtd
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 5, 2025
The goal gave Inter control of the tie and ensured Martinez becomes the club’s all time leading goalscorer in the competition.
But shortly after, Feyenoord showcased their threat when Brighton loanee Jakub Moder rattled the crossbar as Van Persie’s side went in desperate search of a way back into the game.
But it was Inzaghi’s side who, just after the hour mark, were given the chance to further extend their lead when Jeyland Mitchell caught Thuram’s heel in the box. VAR overturned the referee’s initial decision and a penalty was awarded.
However, the Dutch side were handed a lifeline as Wellenreuther saved Zielinski’s spot kick to keep the deficit to just two.
It may prove to be a hugely significant moment but only if Feyenoord produce something close to a miracle in Milan in six days time. Then again, stranger things have happened.