Analysis The numbers behind the result
Inter edge tight clash despite Bastoni dismissal
Inter's narrow 1-0 victory was deserved despite their second-half red card, with Carlo Chivu's side outperforming Shakhtar Donetsk on expected goals (1.09 vs 0.61). The hosts were more clinical in key moments, converting one of their 13 total shots (5 on target) compared to Shakhtar's 12 attempts (4 on target). Carlos Augusto's 77th-minute winner, assisted by Henrikh Mkhitaryan, proved the difference in a tight tactical battle.
Shakhtar dominated possession (55%) but struggled to create high-quality chances, with their 0.61 xG reflecting a lack of cutting edge in the final third. Despite Alessandro Bastoni's 68th-minute dismissal, Inter defended resolutely, restricting Shakhtar to just 6 shots inside the box, with Josep Martínez making 4 crucial saves. The visitors' 2 yellow cards to Inter's 4 highlighted a slightly more disciplined approach, but their inability to capitalise on their numerical advantage proved costly.
The decisive stat: Inter's 5 corner kicks to Shakhtar's 4, which allowed them to maintain pressure despite being a man down for the final 22 minutes.