Inter’s Champions League hopes in the balance after Porto stalemate

Simone Inzaghi’s side held to goalless draw at home

Lautaro Martinez misses penalty as Serie A champions fail to find breakthrough

Inter Milan’s hopes of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals hang in the balance after they were held to a goalless draw by Porto at the San Siro on Wednesday night.

Simone Inzaghi’s side dominated possession and created a number of chances, but they were unable to find a way past Diogo Costa in the Porto goal.

Lautaro Martinez had the best opportunity to break the deadlock when he was awarded a penalty in the second half, but the Argentine striker saw his effort saved by Costa.

The result leaves Inter with a tough task in the second leg in Portugal next month. They will need to score at least once to keep their hopes of reaching the last eight alive.

Inter started the game brightly and had the first chance to score when Nicolo Barella fired wide from the edge of the area.

The hosts continued to press and came close again when Hakan Calhanoglu’s free-kick was saved by Costa.

Porto gradually grew into the game and had a good chance to take the lead when Mehdi Taremi’s shot was blocked by Milan Skriniar.

The second half was a more even affair, with both sides having chances to score. Inter came close again when Lautaro Martinez’s header was saved by Costa.

The Argentine striker then had a glorious chance to win the game when he was awarded a penalty after Pepe fouled him in the area. However, Martinez saw his effort saved by Costa.

The result leaves Inter with a mountain to climb in the second leg. They will need to score at least once in Portugal to keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive.