A self-inflicted goal by RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba secured a 1-0 victory for Inter Milan at home in the Champions League on Tuesday, temporarily allowing the Italian champions to rise to the top of the standings.
Group Standings
Inter remains unbeaten at the top of the table with 13 points after five matches, holding a one-point lead over Barcelona in second place, who won against Brest 3-0. Third-placed Liverpool, who have one game in hand, will face defending champions Real Madrid at home on Wednesday.
First-Half Dominance
Inter was the stronger team in the first half and went ahead in the 27th minute when Lukeba accidentally redirected the ball into Leipzig’s goal after a free kick taken by Federico Dimarco.
Dimarco, starting in the Champions League for the first time this season, delivered a cross into the penalty area that deflected off the foot of the 21-year-old.
RB Leipzig Second-Half Response
The home team appeared to be on track for an easy win, yet Simone Inzaghi’s squad considerably reduced their tempo after halftime.
RB Leipzig recognized their opportunity and became more assertive in the match, while Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer executed a superb save by stopping a low shot from Antonio Nusa in the 69th minute.
Injury Challenges for RB Leipzig
The guests, entering the match as one of five teams that had suffered losses in their initial four games, were missing midfielder Xavi Simons, who was out due to an ankle injury.
They were missing defender Lukas Klostermann, who added to an already lengthy list of absentees after leaving the game with a calf injury during halftime of their 4-3 loss at Hoffenheim on Saturday.
Key Returns for Inter
Inter welcomed back Hakan Calhanoglu following a thigh injury, and Lautaro Martinez was positioned at the front alongside Mehdi Taremi after recovering from an illness that followed his return from international duty.
Late Drama and Defensive Record
Henrikh Mkhitaryan believed he had doubled Inter lead in stoppage time, but Marcus Thuram disallowed the goal for a foul, and Inter continued to play on thin ice as they risked giving up a late equaliser.
They successfully avoided any mistakes and upheld their flawless defensive record in the tournament, remaining the only team that has not allowed a goal so far in their European journey.
Historical Defensive Streak
Inter has achieved a streak of four straight victories without allowing any goals for the first time in Europe’s elite competitions, following previous runs of three in 1966-67 and 2009-10.
They defeated Red Star Belgrade with a score of 4-0, won against Young Boys 1-0, and triumphed over Arsenal 1-0 after beginning their campaign with a scoreless draw at Manchester City.
Looking Ahead
On December 10, three-time champions Inter, who are currently one point behind leaders Napoli in Serie A, will travel to Bayer Leverkusen, the German champions.
RB Leipzig, looking to secure their first points in the league phase after suffering five straight losses in the tournament, will host Aston Villa on the same day.
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