Picture this: The iconic floodlights of the San Siro bathing the pitch, the famous Pazza Inter chants rising in anticipation. It’s October 1st, 2024 – Champions League night. Red Star Belgrade, known passionately to their fans as Estrella Roja, stood ready. But what unfolded was a masterclass. A statement. Inter Milan didn’t just win; they delivered a resounding 4-0 triumph that echoed their ambitions. Inter vs. Estrella Roja became less of a contest and more of a coronation of Inter’s home dominance. Ready to relive how the Nerazzurri painted Milan blue and black that night?
The Match Unfolded: A Night of Nerazzurri Dominance
From the first whistle, Inter asserted control. The tension of needing their first group stage win was palpable, but it didn’t translate into nerves – it translated into intensity. The breakthrough came in classic Inter fashion:
- Deadly Precision: A well-earned free-kick in a dangerous area. The ball was whipped in with menace, causing chaos in the Red Star box, and found its way home. That crucial first goal settled any remaining nerves and set the tone.
- Arnautović Strikes: Marko Arnautović, the experienced Austrian forward, capitalized on Inter’s growing momentum. A sharp finish, likely born from slick build-up play, doubled the advantage and sent the Curva Nord into raptures.
- El Toro Roars: Who else? Captain fantastic Lautaro Martínez, the heartbeat of this Inter side, got on the scoresheet. His relentless pressing and clinical finishing were on full display, putting the game firmly beyond Estrella Roja‘s reach.
- Taremi Caps a Stellar Debut: New signing Mehdi Taremi wasn’t just a passenger; he was the conductor. After already laying on two assists (likely for Arnautović and Martínez), the Iranian forward stepped up to coolly convert a penalty. 4-0. Ruthless efficiency.
The final whistle wasn’t just the end of a match; it was the sound of Inter announcing their serious intent in this season’s Champions League.
Key Performers: Taremi Shines Brightest
While it was a complete team performance, a few stars burned particularly bright:
- Mehdi Taremi (Inter): The undisputed Man of the Match. A goal and two assists off the bench? That’s an instant impact. His vision for the assists and composure from the spot showcased exactly why Inter brought him in. A dream European debut in the famous black and blue stripes.
- Lautaro Martínez (Inter): The captain led by example. His goal was typical Lautaro – instinctive, powerful, and decisive. His work rate up front constantly troubled the Red Star defence.
- Inter’s Midfield Engine: While not always grabbing headlines, the control exerted by Inter’s midfield trio (think Hakan Çalhanoğlu pulling strings, Nicolò Barella’s relentless energy) completely stifled Red Star’s attempts to build momentum. They won the battle in the centre of the park decisively.
What This Inter vs. Estrella Roja Win Means for the Campaign
This emphatic 4-0 result was about far more than just three points:
- First Win Secured: Crucially, it got Inter’s Champions League campaign properly up and running after their opening match(es). The weight of expectation lifted visibly.
- San Siro Fortress: The victory reinforced the immense advantage of playing at home. Teams visiting the San Siro know they are in for a monumental challenge – this result hammered that point home. Think of it like Juventus’s old ‘Old Lady’ mystique in Turin; Inter are building something similar.
- Qualification Momentum: Smashing a potentially tricky opponent like Red Star 4-0 provides a massive boost to goal difference and injects serious confidence. It significantly bolsters Inter’s chances of navigating the group stage successfully and reaching the knockout rounds. Suddenly, the path looks clearer.
- Squad Depth Showcased: Taremi’s impact off the bench highlighted the strength Simone Inzaghi has at his disposal. Rotating effectively in the demanding Champions League schedule is key, and Inter showed they have the tools.
3 Key Takeaways from Inter’s Commanding Display
- Home is Where the Heart (and Wins) Are: Inter turned the San Siro into an impenetrable fortress against Estrella Roja. Leveraging this home advantage will be critical throughout their UCL journey.
- Taremi: The Instant Impact Super-Sub: His performance wasn’t just good; it was transformative. He offers a completely different dimension and lethal finishing power, making Inter’s attack even more formidable. Like finding a perfectly tuned instrument you didn’t know your orchestra needed.
- Statement of Intent: This wasn’t a scrappy 1-0. A 4-0 demolition sends a clear message to the rest of Group D and beyond: Inter Milan are serious contenders this season. They have the firepower, the control, and the home support.
This Inter vs. Estrella Roja clash wasn’t just a game; it was a turning point, a showcase of strength, and a night where Mehdi Taremi announced himself emphatically on the European stage. The Nerazzurri faithful will be dreaming big after this San Siro symphony. What do you think this result means for Inter’s chances of going deep in this season’s Champions League?
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FAQs
What was the final score of Inter Milan vs. Red Star Belgrade?
Inter Milan won 4-0.
Who scored for Inter Milan?
The goals came from an unnamed player from a free-kick, Marko Arnautović, Lautaro Martínez, and Mehdi Taremi (penalty).
Who was the Man of the Match?
Mehdi Taremi had an outstanding performance off the bench, scoring one goal and providing two assists, making him the clear standout.
Where was the match played?
The match was played at Inter Milan’s home stadium, the San Siro (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza) in Milan, Italy.
Why is this win important for Inter?
It was Inter’s first win in that season’s Champions League group stage, boosting morale, improving their goal difference significantly, and strengthening their position for qualification to the knockout rounds.
What does “Estrella Roja” mean?
“Estrella Roja” is the Spanish translation for “Red Star” (Crvena Zvezda), commonly used in Spanish-speaking regions to refer to Red Star Belgrade.
Did Lautaro Martínez score?
Yes, Inter captain Lautaro Martínez scored one of the four goals during the match.
