Inter extend flawless Champions League start with narrow 2-1 win over Kairat

Post by : Mina Rahman

Inter Milan extended their unblemished start in this season's Champions League by edging Kazakhstan newcomers Kairat Almaty 2-1 at the San Siro on Wednesday. Carlos Augusto's 67th-minute effort proved decisive, handing Inter a fourth straight victory in group play.

On 12 points, Inter sit level with Bayern Munich and Arsenal at the summit of the section, putting them in a strong position to reach the round of 16. Historical trends suggest 16 points is usually sufficient to progress, meaning roughly four more points from the remaining fixtures could secure qualification.

Stiffer assignments await the Nerazzurri, including home clashes with Liverpool and group leaders Arsenal, plus an away trip to Atletico Madrid later this month.

"There are no easy matches in the Champions League. We didn't play at our best but managed to win," said match-winner Carlos Augusto. "We know our quality and must demonstrate it every time we step onto the pitch."

Kairat's resilient display tests Inter

Although Inter enjoyed the greater share of possession and created several chances, they found a determined Kairat back line difficult to break down. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring just before the interval, registering his 160th goal for the club after reacting quickest to a blocked attempt.

Kairat responded strongly after the break, with Ofri Arad heading them level nine minutes into the second half and briefly threatening a major surprise in Milan. It was then that Carlos Augusto's low, driven strike restored Inter's lead and denied the Kazakh side a first Champions League point on the road.

Temirlan Anarbekov was a standout for the visitors, producing several important saves — including a pair to keep out Martinez earlier and a fingertip stop to prevent Pio Esposito from scoring later on.

Kairat, three points adrift of the play-off positions, still have meetings with Copenhagen, Olympiakos and Club Brugge before travelling to Arsenal. Their performance in Milan highlighted the growing resilience of a side competing in Europe's top club competition for the first time.

Inter will need to improve their finishing and defensive concentration as they head into a more demanding run of fixtures; while current form is encouraging, the margin for error shrinks as the knockout phase approaches.