Mansion Sports – Inter Milan claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty in the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 league phase match at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half before Kairat stunned the home crowd with an equalizer from Ofri Arad. 

Despite dominating possession and territory, Inter found it difficult to break down the visitors’ disciplined defense. 

The breakthrough finally came in the second half when Augusto netted the decisive goal to seal all three points for the Italian giants.

The result extended Inter’s flawless record in the Champions League, with four consecutive wins from four matches in the league phase.

First Half: Lautaro Martínez Gives Inter the Lead

From the opening whistle blown by referee Luis Godinho, Inter Milan immediately took control of the match. 

Captain Lautaro Martínez was at the heart of the action, constantly threatening the Kairat defense with his movement and finishing.

The Argentine striker had several early chances, including a powerful shot in the 15th minute that narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Inter maintained heavy pressure, and controversy briefly emerged in the 18th minute when Yann Bisseck was brought down inside the box. 

The referee initially pointed to the spot, but after consulting VAR, the penalty decision was overturned, keeping the scoreline level at 0-0.

Inter’s persistence was finally rewarded just before halftime. In the 45th minute, Denzel Dumfries delivered a dangerous cross that was initially headed by Esposito and blocked by a defender. 

The loose ball fell to Martínez, whose first effort was denied but whose follow-up strike found the back of the net, giving Inter a 1-0 lead at the break.

Second Half: Augusto’s Strike Secures Three Points

Kairat Almaty started the second half with renewed confidence and managed to equalize in the 55th minute. 

From a corner kick, Shirobokov’s header deflected high into the air before Ofri Arad rose highest to nod the ball past the Inter goalkeeper, leveling the score at 1-1 and reigniting the contest.

Inter quickly regrouped and reclaimed control of the match. Their response came in the 67th minute through a fluid passing sequence involving Nicolo Barella and Esposito. 

The ball was eventually laid off to Augusto, who unleashed a stunning first-time left-footed strike from outside the box. The shot flew into the bottom-right corner, leaving goalkeeper Anarbekov with no chance.

The superb goal restored Inter’s advantage and ultimately decided the game. Although the hosts continued to press and create several more chances, they were unable to extend their lead before the final whistle confirmed their fourth straight victory in the competition.

Match Statistics: Inter Milan vs Kairat Almaty

Inter Milan’s dominance in possession and creativity was reflected in the numbers, but Kairat Almaty’s resilience ensured a tightly contested encounter that demanded patience and precision from the hosts to secure victory.