Advertisement League of Ireland Horse Racing TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Behind the Lines Sportswriters discuss their careers and the work that inspires them. Rugby Weekly Extra Dive into all the news and analysis 3 times a week The Football Family Weekly insights from the week’s big talking points Advertisement More Stories Feyenoord coach Robin van Persie during the 1st leg of the round of 16 match.Alamy Stock Photo FreeSetback Disappointment for Robin van Persie on first night as Champions League manager Inter beat Feyenoord 2-0 to secure a big advantage ahead of next week’s second leg. 7.50pm, 5 Mar 2025 Share options INTER MILAN’S powerful strike duo of Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez combined to give the Italians a handy 2-0 advantage over Dutch side Feyenoord after an absorbing Champions League last-16 first leg Wednesday. Quality finishes either side of half-time from the French and Argentinian strikers proved the difference between the two teams, who meet again in Milan for Tuesday’s second leg, with the winner of the Bayern Munich-Bayer Leverkusen German derby lying in wait. A lively opening quarter in Rotterdam’s ever-atmospheric De Kuip saw three-time European champions Inter enjoy the most possession but Feyenoord carved out the clearest opportunities. Ibrahim Osman, the pacy 20-year-old Ghana international winger on loan from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion, was the main threat for the hosts, twice forcing Josep Martinez into sharp saves. For the visitors, Thuram found himself with a clear run at goal but decided to pass square rather than shoot and the danger was snuffed out. It was a moment of quality from the French striker that broke the deadlock with just eight minutes until the half-time whistle, latching onto a curling cross from Nicolo Barella to hook it in with the outside of his boot at the far post. Advertisement The goal, slightly against the run of play, galvanised the Serie A side, who suddenly looked much more dangerous going forward. Feyenoord legend and recently installed manager Robin van Persie would have been glad to get his side into the dressing room just 1-0 down after an entertaining first half. But his side’s arrears doubled just five minutes into the second period, as Martinez drilled an unstoppable shot into the top corner, giving the hosts a mountain to climb. Jakub Moder came close to getting Feyenoord back into the game when his lunging deflection skimmed the bar. Inter had their own chance to put the game — and probably the tie — beyond reach when Jeyland Mitchell brought down Thuram in the box, the referee awarding a penalty after a long VAR check. But Timon Wellenreuther in the Feyenoord goal produced an excellent save from Piotr Zielinski’s penalty, moving smartly to his right. Feyenoord pressed to the end looking for something to take to the San Siro but the Inter defence held firm in a pleasing night for Simone Inzaghi’s men. – © AFP 2025 Viewcomments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Disappointment for Robin van Persie on first night as Champions League manager”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Disappointment for Robin van Persie on first night as Champions League manager”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion. Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs. Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts. Please provide additional information Thank you for the feedback Your feedback has been sent to our team for review. Leave a commentcancel Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion UEFA Champions League Robin van Persie Inter Milan News in 60 seconds Freelooking ahead Jose Mourinho open to managing Rangers or Celtic in future 34 mins ago Freeparrott taken flight Parrott: No regrets about Spurs exit ahead of Europa League reunion FreeShowdown Doris set to return in familiar Ireland team to face France FreeThe Starters Tom Wood, son of Ireland legend Keith, to start Ireland U20s Six Nations tie against France FreeSMITH OUT Marcus Smith dropped as England shake up backline for Italy clash FreeGALWAY HOOKER Dave Heffernan pledges next two seasons to Connacht with contract extension FreeLeague of Ireland Derry City lose appeal over straight red card shown to Carl Winchester 'Prendergast is well surrounded' - France say they won't target Irish 10 Munster confirm JJ Hanrahan to return in summer on two-year deal Laochra Gael 'At the moment, the standard of refereeing is cat' - Ben O'Connor raises concerns FreeSMITH OUT Marcus Smith dropped as England shake up backline for Italy clash more from us Investigates Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The 42 supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online Sign in or create a free account To continue reading create a free account Or sign into an existing account