Inter Milan were made to work hard for a narrow 2-1 win over Kairat Almaty in the Champions League, keeping their perfect record in the league phase.
As strong favourites, Inter started quickly and put the visitors under heavy pressure. Federico Dimarco’s early shot was saved by Temirlan Anarbekov, and Egor Sorokin blocked Lautaro Martínez’s follow-up. Inter thought they had earned a penalty, but after checking the pitchside monitor, the referee decided that Yann Bisseck had caused the contact himself.
Despite Inter’s dominance, Kairat had a couple of chances. Yann Sommer had to react quickly to save a powerful header from Edmilson, and Dastan Satpayev’s long-range shot clipped the top of the crossbar.
Just before half time, Inter finally broke the deadlock. Martínez saw his first attempt blocked but then lifted the rebound into the net for his fourth European goal of the season. He was substituted at the break and watched from the bench as Kairat shocked the home fans with an equaliser early in the second half. Ofri Arad headed in from a corner to become the first player to score against Inter in this Champions League campaign.
Inter hit back soon after. Carlos Augusto restored the lead with a low shot from the edge of the box after a clever pass from Francesco Pio Esposito. It was Augusto’s first Champions League goal and enough to seal the win.
The result gave Inter their fifth straight home victory in all competitions and moved them up to third in the league phase table, while Kairat remain in 34th place.
