The UEFA Champions League clash between Inter Milan and Estrella Roja (commonly known as Red Star Belgrade) brought an engaging spectacle to the European football stage. Hosted under the floodlights in Milan, this match embodied the spirit of top-tier continental competition: heritage, talent, strategy, and sheer determination.
Though not traditional rivals, Inter and Estrella Roja share a rich European legacy. Inter Milan, the Italian powerhouse with multiple Champions League titles, faced off against Serbia’s most decorated club, Red Star Belgrade, the 1991 European Cup champions. This full match delivered high-tempo football, tactical depth, and moments that captured fans’ hearts across the globe.
Pre-Match Build-Up: Expectations and Team Form
Ahead of the fixture, Inter Milan entered as the clear favorites. Under the management of Simone Inzaghi, Inter had shown strong domestic form in Serie A and were expected to carry that momentum into the European stage. Players like Lautaro Martínez, Nicolò Barella, and Federico Dimarco had been instrumental in Inter’s solid campaign.
On the other hand, Estrella Roja came into the match with a chip on their shoulder. Often considered underdogs in the Champions League, they had battled through the qualifying rounds with resilience and grit. Their Serbian league form had been impressive, and they were eager to prove themselves on one of football’s biggest stages.
First Half: Inter’s Dominance and Early Breakthrough
The match began with Inter asserting control immediately. From the opening whistle, their midfield trio of Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Barella, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan maintained a steady rhythm, distributing possession with clinical precision. The Nerazzurri’s high pressing tactics paid dividends as Red Star struggled to maintain possession in their own half.
In the 17th minute, the pressure told. A slick passing move from Inter resulted in Lautaro Martínez being slipped through the Red Star defense. With characteristic calmness, he slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, giving Inter the early lead.
Red Star attempted to respond with a more defensive structure, trying to catch Inter on the counter. Jean-Philippe Krasso and Osman Bukari made some promising runs, but Inter’s backline, marshaled by Francesco Acerbi and Benjamin Pavard, remained resolute.
As the first half progressed, Inter continued to dominate possession and chances. A thunderous long-range effort by Çalhanoğlu hit the crossbar in the 34th minute, drawing gasps from the crowd. Just before halftime, Inter doubled their lead when Marcus Thuram finished a well-orchestrated move, showcasing his strength and pace.
Halftime score: Inter Milan 2 – 0 Estrella Roja
Second Half: Red Star’s Fightback and Tactical Adjustments
Coming out after the break, Estrella Roja’s manager made key substitutions to inject energy and pace into the side. The Serbian club showed more urgency and began pressing higher up the pitch. Their reward came in the 56th minute, when Bukari cut inside from the right wing and curled a superb shot past Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
This goal changed the dynamics of the game. Inter, momentarily shaken, dropped their intensity slightly. Red Star began to grow in confidence, and their fans, who had traveled in strong numbers, roared in support. However, Inter’s experience on big occasions helped them weather the storm.
Inzaghi responded with timely substitutions, bringing on Denzel Dumfries and Davide Frattesi to regain control in midfield and attack. The move paid off when, in the 72nd minute, Frattesi made a darting run into the box, latched onto a cross from Dimarco, and scored with a powerful header to make it 3-1.
That goal effectively sealed the match. Red Star continued to fight, and credit must be given to their determination. But Inter’s quality, squad depth, and tactical awareness were too much on the night.
Full-Time Summary and Match Stats
Final Score: Inter Milan 3 – 1 Estrella Roja
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Goals:
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Lautaro Martínez (17’)
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Marcus Thuram (44’)
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Osman Bukari (56’)
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Davide Frattesi (72’)
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Possession:
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Inter Milan: 61%
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Estrella Roja: 39%
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Shots on Target:
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Inter Milan: 8
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Estrella Roja: 3
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Corners:
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Inter Milan: 6
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Estrella Roja: 2
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Fouls:
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Inter Milan: 9
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Estrella Roja: 12
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Player of the Match: Lautaro Martínez
Inter’s captain led from the front. His early goal set the tone for the match, and his movement off the ball continuously disrupted Red Star’s defensive shape. His leadership and tireless pressing made him the standout performer on the pitch.
Tactical Analysis: How Inter Took Control
Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 formation proved to be the key. The wing-backs, Dumfries and Dimarco, offered width and pace, stretching Red Star’s defense. The midfield trio kept the ball moving with purpose, while Lautaro and Thuram combined superbly in attack.
Estrella Roja, despite their best efforts, struggled to cope with the tempo. Their attempts to sit deep and absorb pressure only allowed Inter to dictate the pace. Their shift in strategy at halftime showed some promise, but they lacked the finishing touch to mount a serious comeback.
Fan Reaction and Atmosphere
The San Siro was electric. Over 70,000 fans filled the iconic stadium, with Inter’s ultras in full voice. The traveling Red Star supporters also added color and noise, waving flags and chanting proudly.
Social media buzzed throughout the game, with fans praising Inter’s professional performance and Red Star’s courageous efforts. The match trended across multiple platforms, a testament to the global pull of the Champions League.
What’s Next for Both Clubs?
For Inter Milan, this win puts them in a strong position in the group stage. With quality performances like this, they look well-positioned to advance deep into the knockout rounds. Inzaghi will be pleased with the attacking fluency and tactical discipline on display.
Estrella Roja, despite the loss, can take heart from their spirited second-half display. If they can carry that form into their next matches, especially against the other group stage opponents, they still have a shot at a Europa League spot or even an outside chance of advancing.
Conclusion
The full match between Inter vs Estrella Roja was a footballing showcase — a blend of tactical finesse, individual brilliance, and spirited competition. Inter’s superiority was clear, but Estrella Roja’s heart and passion gave the fixture real competitive edge. As the Champions League progresses, nights like these remind fans why this tournament is the pinnacle of club football.
