Inter Milan secure first UEFA Champions League win as Shakhtar stumble

In the Ligue, Inter Milan earned their first group‑stage triumph in the UEFA Champions League, beating Shakhtar Donetsk 1‑0 at San Siro on Wednesday. Reduced to ten men after Alessandro Bastoni’s dismissal in the 68th minute, they held on until Carlos Augusto’s decisive strike in the 77th.

Red card and decisive goal

Alessandro Bastoni received two quick yellow cards and was sent off in the 68th minute, leaving the Nerazzurri with ten men. Ten minutes later, Henrikh Mkhitaryan delivered a lofted ball that Carlos Augusto chased, beating Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to give Inter the lead. The goal came just after the restart, catching Shakhtar off‑guard and breaking the deadlock.

Shakhtar pressed for an equaliser, creating several chances but failing to find the net. The Ukrainian side’s forward line tested the defence with long‑range efforts, yet Inter’s backline stayed compact. In the closing stages, Inter goalkeeper Josep Martínez denied a low shot from Newerton and later tipped away Matviienko’s header from a corner.

Implications and coach's view

The victory ended Inter’s run of two defeats in their opening European fixtures, a run that had put pressure on the side to respond in front of their home crowd. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Milan side resisted the Ukrainian assault and maintained composure until the final whistle.

Inter aims for Europe after clash with Shakhtar

The three points revive Inter’s European campaign ahead of their next Serie A encounter with Fiorentina. Shakhtar, meanwhile, must regroup quickly before travelling to face Zorya Luhansk in their following group game.

Inter technical director Cristian Chivu said after the match:

Credo che quello che è accaduto in Champions l'ultimo anno qualche segno l'ha lasciato. Ne abbiamo perse 2 su 8 e ne mancano 6. Aumenta la pressione, non puoi permetterti di sbagliare. Ho visto una squadra che ha approcciato bene poi si è intimorita. I tre cambi ci hanno dato energia, abbiamo trovato le corse giuste e quello che serviva. Anche un po' di serenità. Siamo rimasti in dieci e abbiamo capito che dovevamo fare qualche sforzo in più. Credo che sia una vittoria che toglie qualche pensiero di quelle che sono state le nostre difficoltà. C'era bisogno.

The win demonstrates the black‑and‑blues’ ability to secure results even when reduced in numbers, a trait that could prove vital in the remaining group fixtures. It also restores confidence among the Milan supporters after a shaky start to the season, and the side will need to maintain discipline to avoid further setbacks.