Mukiele’s Late Strike Secures Bayer Leverkusen’s Vital Win Against Inter Milan

Nordi Mukiele netted a dramatic 90th-minute decider as Bayer Leverkusen became the inaugural side to breach Inter Milan’s defence in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) this term, with Die Werkself’s 1-0 triumph elevating them to second in the table.

The hosts have been revitalized in recent weeks, bouncing back from their October slump to claim five successive wins across all tournaments, and they opened this contest like a side brimming with belief of making it six in a row. Nathan Tella retained his position as makeshift forward in the absence of the sidelined Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick, and within just two minutes the Nigerian struck his volley against the Inter bar, having latched onto a looping Jeremie Frimpong delivery. It would be the nearest the German outfit came to scoring in a half where they were superior but never produced a decisive opportunity, with Yann Sommer only required to make a few routine stops.

The visitors were almost invisible as an attacking entity, as Simone Inzaghi appeared content to rely on a defence that had yet to falter in this year’s UCL journey. This was classic Catenaccio with an added layer of security, as Matěj Kovář didn’t need to make a single save in the first half, although the Italian team showed slightly more offensive intent as the opening period concluded.

The halftime interval did little to alter proceedings, as the match continued at the same pace, with Frimpong skewing high and wide after being set up superbly by Florian Wirtz. With Inter making five adjustments from their weekend triumph over Parma, there was an array of attacking talent available on the bench for the Italians, and they deployed it by introducing Lautaro Martínez and Nicolò Barella with 30 minutes left. However, it made minimal impact on a match that seemed firmly headed toward a stalemate.

As the minutes ebbed away, it appeared both sides would settle for a draw, until late drama finally shattered the Italian resistance. Álex Grimaldo stretched to sustain an attacking play, and though his pass was initially blocked, the ball fortuitously found Mukiele, who hammered it home from close range to secure a significant win for Xabi Alonso’s squad.