Inter Milan stayed perfect in the Champions League. They beat Kairat Almaty 2-1 at the San Siro on Wednesday. It was Inter’s fourth win in four games.
Carlos Augusto saved Inter with a strong low strike in the 67th minute. His goal kept Inter on track for a place in the last 16. Inter are third with 12 points. They are level with Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Last season, 16 points were enough for a top-eight finish. Inter need only four more points from their next four matches to qualify.
That is important because Inter have a tough schedule ahead. They still have to play Liverpool and Arsenal at home in the league phase.
Inter were not at their best. They will need a better performance when they travel to face Atletico Madrid later this month. Kairat fought bravely and made it difficult for the Italian side.
“There are no easy games in the Champions League,” said Carlos Augusto. “We did not play well, but we won. We know our level and we must show it every match.”
Lautaro Martinez put Inter ahead just before half-time. Ofri Arad equalised nine minutes after the break. Even after Augusto scored his first goal of the season, Inter had to work hard to hold on.
Kairat have only one point in their first Champions League season. Still, they are only three points away from the play-off positions.
Inter controlled the game and created most of the chances. Martinez was denied early by a double save from Temirlan Anarbekov. Moments later, he missed another great chance from Piotr Zielinski’s pass.
Inter thought they had a penalty when Yann Bisseck went down in the box. The referee changed his mind after checking the replay. Frustration grew as Kairat stayed compact and nearly shocked Inter in the 44th minute. Dastan Satpayev’s shot hit De Vrij and clipped the crossbar.
Seconds later, Martinez scored his 160th goal for Inter, finishing at the second attempt. But Kairat struck back. Arad ran in unmarked and headed home from a corner. It was the first goal Inter have conceded in the Champions League this season.
Anarbekov made more impressive saves, including one from Pio Esposito. Inter finally breathed easy when Augusto fired home the winner. Kairat came close to a famous result, but Inter held on.
