Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez’s goals either side of half-time secured victory for Inter Milan in the last-16, first-leg tie at Feyenoord, giving them a big advantage to take back to San Siro.
Robin van Persie’s side, in just the former star striker’s second game in charge, started superbly with on-loan Brighton & Hove Albion winger Ibrahim Osman a persistent danger. Only a smart save at his near post from Josep Martinez stopped him giving the hosts the lead early on.
Inter punished them on the break six minutes before the break in fantastic style as Marcus Thuram leapt up and volleyed home Nicola Barella’s deep cross with the outside of his right foot.
Five minutes after the restart, the leg was effectively over as Piotr Zielenski found Lautaro Martinez in the box where he controlled and half-turned in one motion before firing high into the net.
The only blot on the night for Inter was the penalty which Zielinski failed to convert, albeit denied by a fine full-length save from Timon Wellenreuther.
The sides will meet again next Tuesday with the Dutch side facing a mammoth task to repeat their play-off heroics against AC Milan in the same city.