September 18, (THEWILL) — Inter Milan earned a 2-0 victory against Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Wednesday evening, with Marcus Thuram scoring twice to deliver the Nerazzurri their first UEFA Champions League points of the campaign. The French striker’s brace came within four minutes spanning the break, both headers converted from Hakan Calhanoglu corner kicks that proved decisive in Amsterdam.
The opening period saw Inter denied what appeared a legitimate penalty claim in the 35th minute when VAR intervened to rule Thuram had fouled Ajax defender Youri Baas. Five minutes later, Ajax created the match’s best opportunity when Mika Godts found himself one-on-one with Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, only for the Swiss international to produce an important save.
Thuram broke the deadlock two minutes before half-time with a commanding header from Calhanoglu’s out-swinging corner delivery. The same combination struck again just two minutes into the second half, with Thuram once more rising highest to meet another Calhanoglu cross and double Inter’s advantage past Ajax goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros.
Cristian Chivu’s side controlled proceedings after establishing their two-goal cushion, limiting the Dutch hosts to minimal attacking threats throughout the remainder of the contest. Ajax managed only two shots on target across the full 90 minutes, with substitute Kasper Dolberg sending their clearest late chance wide of Sommer’s goal.
The victory provides much-needed momentum for Inter following their disappointing 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s UEFA Champions League final and an underwhelming start to their current Serie A campaign. Thuram’s clinical finishing and the team’s defensive discipline suggest the Italian giants may have found the formula to rebuild their European credentials.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
